Merz in China: Airbus orders, panda research, renewed sports deals Photo

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has concluded an official visit to Beijing, holding a series of high-level meetings aimed at revitalising trade and economic cooperation between Germany and China.

During his trip, Merz toured the historic Forbidden City and attended a Mercedes-Benz exhibition at the Hilton Beijing Capital Airport. At the event, he examined the latest generation of electric vehicles and test-drove an autonomous S-Class model equipped with 30 sensors and 10 cameras, Caliber.Az reports via Bild.

The advanced self-driving technology has already been deployed in China and the United States, but has yet to be introduced in Europe. Oliver Zipse, chief executive of BMW, was also present and closely reviewed the technological features on display.

The visit produced several concrete economic outcomes. China placed an order for 120 aircraft from Airbus, marking a significant boost for the European aviation sector. In the media and sports sector, the German Football League signed a memorandum with China Media Group to extend their television agreement, ensuring continued broadcasts of German club matches to Chinese audiences.

Agricultural trade also resumed as exports of chicken feet from Germany to China restarted after being suspended over quarantine restrictions, opening renewed opportunities for German poultry producers. In logistics, DHL secured expanded air transport rights.

Beyond trade, Berlin and Beijing extended a ten-year agreement on the protection and scientific research of Giant panda. Under the renewed arrangement, two pandas from Chengdu will be sent to Munich for research purposes, further strengthening scientific and cultural cooperation.

By Sabina Mammadli