Besides Germany’s growing trade deficit with China, Merz is expected to raise Chinese backing for Russia’s position in the war in Ukraine, though no change from the Chinese side is foreseen.
China is seeking support from other nations to push back against Trump’s challenges to international rules and organizations, but Merz has signaled wariness about China’s view of a 21st century order. Success may be measured by finding small ways to cooperate despite differences on major issues.
