Previously, Mr. Merz's predecessor pursued a cautious, conflicting approach between promoting economic and trade cooperation with China and differences and clashes related to democracy and human rights. On the contrary, Mr. Merz chose an active approach to take advantage of China, avoid confrontation or harsh criticism, focusing the highest priority on German exports and demanding fair and equitable competition in the Chinese market.
Mr. Merz's policy adjustment is clearly in line with the interests and desires of Beijing. As a result, the visit has created significant new movements in bilateral relations. The two sides agreed to resume the mechanism of intergovernmental exchange and consultation that has been interrupted for many years.
China ordered a large number of Airbus aircraft; and committed to expanding markets for agricultural products, climate protection technology, machinery and automobile manufacturing from Germany. In sensitive issues, Mr. Merz still mentioned but not harshly, from the Taiwan (China) issue or about China's support for Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.
Clearly identifying Germany's economic and trade interests as the focus has made the US and some allies and partners in the European Union dissatisfied. They see this as a sign that Berlin is not completely "on the same boat" with a tougher stance towards Beijing.
Therefore, Mr. Merz's upcoming visit to the US is predicted to be not easy at all, even more complicated. However, the results achieved in China also help him increase his position both with Washington and within the EU, when proving that Germany can handle a problem that is very difficult to harmonize, which is both minimizing risks in relations with China, and not being drawn into the trend of separatism from China, while showing that Berlin is not at a disadvantage.
