Merz's visit can help reaffirm Germany's commitment to pragmatic cooperation

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. [Photo/Xinhua]

This is an editorial from China Daily.

The two-day visit to China by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which starts on Wednesday, just after China's Spring Festival holiday, serves as an opportune moment to reflect on the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.

As the largest economy in the European Union, Germany's cooperative relationship with China remains a dynamic component of the global economy.

Speaking at the start of the Munich Security Conference on Feb 13, Merz noted that the "rules-based world order", which Europe endorsed, no longer exists. As some observers say, it voiced Berlin's recognition that the world has entered an era of great country "rivalry", and in this era, for Germany — and Europe — one of the key issues that must be addressed is forging partnerships that can help it adapt to uncertainties.

Merz's visit to China, the first since he took office, can help Germany find ways to cooperate with the world's second-largest economy as a means to help boost the German economy. This is shown by his plan to visit Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, to see Chinese high-tech companies.

The meetings between the leaders of the two countries are expected to inject new momentum into bilateral relations, open up broader avenues for deepening mutually beneficial collaboration and jointly address global challenges.

The backdrop of this visit is marked by a world in flux, where established norms are being challenged and new dynamics are emerging. In such a context, strengthening the relations between China and Germany is not merely beneficial but essential, given that both countries champion multilateralism, free trade and the international order with the United Nations at its core. These pursuits provide a foundation upon which the two sides can steady the healthy development of their relations.

The two countries have long been key trading partners, with China reclaiming its place as Germany's biggest trading partner last year, with exports and imports totaling 251.8 billion euros ($297 billion). China previously held the title from 2016 to 2023, highlighting the structural complementarity of the two economies. Keeping this relationship on the right track is crucial to both.

The delegation of German business leaders accompanying Merz on his visit underscores the pragmatic importance Berlin attaches to bilateral economic and trade collaboration.

Yet the visit comes at a time when bilateral relations face both domestic disturbances in Germany and external pressure, as the European Union seeks to "recalibrate" relations with China in what it claims is a move to "reduce critical dependencies and vulnerabilities", including "diversifying" supply chains in the name of "de-risking".

The Merz government can take advantage of his visit to gain some valuable firsthand knowledge of China's development that can help it foster the development of a rational and objective perception on China and realize neither "de-risking" nor "decoupling" is viable. It is the "de-risking" moves that are the really risky endeavors. The "decoupling" practices have actually exposed the mutually beneficial nature of China-EU cooperation. Developing stable cooperative relations embracing healthy competition while fostering cooperation is the way to safeguard the fundamental interests of the two sides. Germany is well positioned to prompt the EU to make the rational choice.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) presents numerous opportunities for collaboration in emerging fields such as new energy, intelligent manufacturing and biomedicine. By working together, China and Germany, as well as the EU, can drive innovation, promote industrial transformation and enhance their enterprises' global competitiveness.

According to a business confidence survey report released by the German Chamber of Commerce in China in December, 56 percent of German companies are considering more engagement with Chinese partners, with main motivations being scaling up their China business and adapting to "China Speed". Such cooperation not only benefits both nations but also contributes to global economic stability and growth.

Merz's visit is also an opportunity to deepen political dialogue and understanding. While differences do exist, these should not overshadow the potential for pragmatic cooperation. The two sides should reaffirm that mutual respect is the principle guiding China-Germany relations, and win-win pragmatic cooperation is their defining feature. With open and constructive dialogue, the two sides can properly manage their differences so that they can address concerns while focusing on shared goals.

The geopolitical landscape calls for China and Germany to strengthen coordination on the world stage. There is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and Germany. As the two countries navigate the complex global situation, it is imperative that they view each other as partners that have common interests in working for peace, stability and the common development of the world.

Merz's visit therefore provides a chance for Germany to reaffirm its commitment to a mutually beneficial relationship with China for the good of both countries as well as the well-being of the world.