Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – German Chancellor Merz paid an official visit to China from February 25th to 26th. This was Merz's first visit to China since taking office as Chancellor, and it attracted widespread attention from foreign media.
A Reuters article on the 24th stated that against the backdrop of the past year's exposure of the breakdown of the European-American alliance and the fragility of supply chains, Chancellor Merz's visit to China this week makes him the latest European leader to attempt to repair relations with China.
The German magazine *International Politics and Society* published an article on the 23rd entitled "Why Germany Must Engage with China." The article pointed out that cooperation between Germany and China will not only help Germany cope with the "continued blackmail" from the United States and reduce its dependence on the US, but Germany's China strategy may also determine the future of Europe.
The article stated that since the new US administration took office, it has launched an unprecedented trade war against major trading partners, threatened to annex Canada and Greenland, and claimed support for populist forces across Europe. Against this backdrop, Europe's dependence on the US in military and technological fields has become a deeply unsettling weakness that could expose Europe to continuous blackmail. The article states that the economic sphere will determine Europe's long-term viability. Germany and Europe urgently need to modernize their digital and physical infrastructure and reduce their dependence on US information technology. In these areas, Germany can seek cooperation with China. A pragmatic and interest-driven approach to engagement with China can help weaken US economic influence.
The article also specifically mentions that China is more like a partner in international organizations and multilateralism. When the US undermines international law and the multilateral system, China works hand in hand with European countries to keep the WTO functioning and to become a major contributor to the United Nations. The article points out that only by participating in China's "Global Governance Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Development Initiative" can Germany and Europe have the opportunity to shape the trajectory of multilateralism.
The Financial Times reported on the 24th that the delegation accompanying Merz on his visit to China included executives from about 30 large German companies, including automakers. They have urged Merz to prevent an escalation of trade tensions, as these companies want to continue investing in China, believing the Chinese market is crucial for profitability and innovation.
