China’s play for U.S. allies has a problem: As Germany’s leader showed, Europe’s grievances with Beijing may run deeper than its frustration with Trump. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, tried to sell Germany on a future less tied to the United States and anchored instead in Chinese markets and technology.

China and Germany have pledged to deepen ties despite differences over Russia’s war in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday in Beijing.

GT: Ahead of his China visit, Merz warned the US against igniting a tariff war and hailed future cooperation with China. He believes that "the key term is strategic partnerships." Taking his words into account, what significance does his visit carry for China-Germany relations?

As this year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period, China-Germany economic and trade cooperation will embrace increased opportunities over the next five years, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s trip will test his ability to address tensions between the countries, at a time of strain between Europe and Washington.

Photo: VCG German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a special test ride in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class on Thursday, personally experiencing the L2 Urban and Highway Navigation System, jointly developed by the German auto company and Chinese technology company Momenta.

China will buy up to 120 aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said following talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday.Following talks with top

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged China’s President Xi Jinping to reset trading relations between the EU and the world’s second-largest economy amid growing tensions. Merz, who is making his first trip to China since taking office,