Spotlight | China, Europe
Xi charmed by Merz's pragmatism, but irked by Macron

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Merz's state visit to China, on 25 February 2026.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Merz's state visit to China, on 25 February 2026. © Michael Kappeler/dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP
Reports commissioned by the Chinese president's research office during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Beijing delivered blunt assessments on the future of ties with Europe: relations are set to deteriorate but pragmatic cooperation remains possible with Germany, Italy and the UK. [...]
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