German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives in Beijing for his first official visit, marking a shift from predecessors’ China-centric approach.
Delayed China Visit
Friedrich Merz is traveling to China for his first official visit, occurring only after 10 months in office. This timing contrasts sharply with his predecessors, particularly Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz, who consistently prioritized engagement with China.
India First Policy
Merz selected India as his first Asian destination in January. This choice highlights India’s growing role as a key economic partner for Europe, positioning it as a strategic rival to Beijing in the region.
