Xi urges ‘new chapter’ in China-Germany ties in call with chancellor amid US trade war

In first call with Germany’s Friedrich Merz, Xi Jinping calls for ‘fair, transparent and non-discriminatory’ environment for Chinese firms

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President Xi Jinping’s call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (pictured) is the latest in a wave of exchanges between China and Europe amid recent signs of a thaw in relations. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 7:46pm, 23 May 2025Updated: 9:30pm, 23 May 2025

President Xi Jinping has called for greater cooperation with Germany, saying China is willing to open a “new chapter” of partnership.

In a call with Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, on Friday, Xi said healthy and stable ties between the two countries were in their interests.

“China is willing to open a new chapter of all-round strategic partnership with Germany, lead China-Europe relations to new developments, and make new contributions to the stable growth of the global economy,” he said, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Beijing is trying to improve ties with European economies to cushion the impact of its trade war with the United States.

Calling Germany a “partner” of China, Xi outlined areas of cooperation ranging from traditional fields – including cars, machinery manufacturing and chemicals – to other areas such as artificial intelligence.

Xi said Beijing hoped Germany would provide a “fair, transparent and non-discriminatory” business environment for Chinese firms, adding that “the correct positioning for China-Germany and China-EU relations is a partnership”.