Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting China to strengthen economic ties and urge Beijing to use its influence over Russia to help end the war in Ukraine. His visit comes as Germany's trade relationship with China shifts, with Chinese industries increasingly dominating sectors once led by German companies.

German exports to China have fallen sharply while Chinese imports to Germany continue to rise, creating a widening trade imbalance and exposing vulnerabilities in key supply chains. Merz aims to negotiate fairer market access and reduce dependencies, seeking a more balanced economic partnership based on mutual reliance rather than risk.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.