China and Germany reaffirmed their bilateral relationship and agreed to expand cooperation across economic, industrial and diplomatic fronts during high-level meetings in Beijing in February 2026. Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held talks aimed at strengthening the China-Germany partnership, covering trade, investment, innovation and future industrial collaboration. (Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

President Xi described China and Germany as “reliable partners” and highlighted the importance of innovation and expanded engagement in advancing their strategic cooperative relationship. (Anadolu Ajansı)

Key Economic And Industrial Cooperation Agreements

Aircraft Procurement

During Chancellor Merz’s visit, the two sides announced that China may purchase up to 120 commercial aircraft from Airbus, a European aeronautics company with major German industrial ties. According to reporting by Euronews, the potential deal was framed by German officials as an outcome of strengthened economic relations between China and Europe, with China signalling its intent to acquire the aircraft over several years. Chancellor Merz described the anticipated aircraft transaction as a sign of mutual commercial trust and cooperation in high-technology manufacturing and transport sectors. (Euronews)

Industrial And Innovation Cooperation

State media reported that President Xi and Chancellor Merz discussed further cooperation in innovation, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that both sides agreed to enhance practical cooperation on economic, industrial and technological fronts, with a focus on joint innovation, research partnerships and industrial development projects.

High-Level Political And Diplomatic Engagement

Mutual Encouragement For Expanded Ties

President Xi and Chancellor Merz expressed mutual support for deepening bilateral diplomatic relations. Xi emphasised that China views Germany as a key partner in Europe and urged German leadership to view China as a stable and innovative partner in addressing global economic challenges.

Merz, in his remarks published by Chinese state media, said that Germany seeks to maintain a constructive and pragmatic relationship with China, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared challenges. The leaders also addressed global issues, including trade cooperation frameworks, economic stability and mechanisms to reduce barriers to investment and technological exchange.

Policy Statements On Bilateral Cooperation

Chinese official reporting noted that the two governments agreed to coordinate on areas such as sustainable development, climate goals and industrial standards, reflecting long-term planning for cooperation that extends beyond immediate commercial deals to broader strategic alignment on economic policy and structural collaboration.

Business And Trade Dimensions

German Industrial Priorities In China

The German side emphasised the importance of maintaining and expanding the presence of German firms in the Chinese market. Discussions involved measures to foster a conducive environment for investment and industrial cooperation, including support for German-China research initiatives and technology partnerships. In past years, German companies, such as BASF and Volkswagen, increasingly invested in Chinese companies, joint ventures or even set up large entities in China.

German officials publicly stated that deeper economic cooperation with China can support broader European industrial growth while enabling both markets to access complementary strengths in manufacturing and innovation.

Chinese Market Opportunities

Chinese authorities noted that expanding market access for German products, services and technological partnerships is aligned with China’s own development goals, which include modernisation of transport, digital industries and advanced manufacturing capacity. Statements from China’s foreign ministry highlighted mutual opportunities for investment and cooperation in key industrial sectors.

Summary Of Agreements And Shared Priorities

Recent developments in the China-Germany partnership include:

  • A possible multi-year procurement agreement for up to 120 Airbus aircraft by Chinese aviation entities.
  • Commitments to strengthen cooperation in innovation, industrial development, digital economy and research ventures.
  • Political reaffirmation of strategic bilateral ties and mutual recognition of each other as key partners in economic and diplomatic spheres.
  • Coordinated support for expanded market access and reduced barriers to investment.

These advances reflect both governments’ interest in consolidating and expanding economic cooperation, industrial collaboration and high-level political engagement.

Outlook

Germany is in a difficult transitional phase economically and diplomatically. Once Europe’s industrial powerhouse, Germany is losing its innovative edge in global competition. While German companies’ products are still among the most reliable and of high quality, the Central European nation lacks innovative drivers that carry industrial modernisation, as well as quantitative production capacities.

China, on the other hand, catches up in the fields where Germany lags behind. However, to establish a broader customer base and drive export volume, Germany, with its stable inflation environment and high purchasing power, does provide a solid establishment for Chinese companies and technology to spread more sustainably into the European market.

Politically, both nations will benefit from closer cooperation, as Germany’s fading international standing will be bolstered by China’s growing power. On the contrary, China will benefit from the structural positioning of Germany within the European and Neo-European axis to reduce diplomatic friction on internationally important matters.