epa12775441 Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (L) and Premier of China Li Qiang take part in a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 25 February 2026. Merz is visiting China for the first time as Chancellor. EPA/Michael Kappeler / POOL

epa12775443 A view of Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (4-R) and Premier of China Li Qiang (6-L) taking part in a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 25 February 2026. Merz is visiting China for the first time as Chancellor. EPA/Michael Kappeler / POOL

epa12775440 Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (L) and Premier of China Li Qiang shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 25 February 2026. Merz is visiting China for the first time as Chancellor. EPA/Michael Kappeler / POOL alle Agenturen

epa12775439 Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (L) and Premier of China Li Qiang shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 25 February 2026. Merz is visiting China for the first time as Chancellor. EPA/Michael Kappeler / POOL

epa12775438 Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (L) and Premier of China Li Qiang shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 25 February 2026. Merz is visiting China for the first time as Chancellor. EPA/Michael Kappeler / POOL

epa12775437 Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (L) and Premier of China Li Qiang approach to shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 25 February 2026. Merz is visiting China for the first time as Chancellor. EPA/Michael Kappeler / POOL Pool alle Agenturen

epa12775436 Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (C) is welcomed with military honors at the Great Hall of the People by Li Qiang (L), Premier of China, in Beijing, China, 25 February 2026. Merz is visiting China for the first time as Chancellor. EPA/Michael Kappeler / POOL

epa12775434 Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (2-L) is welcomed with military honors at the Great Hall of the People by Li Qiang (L), Premier of China, in Beijing, China, 25 February 2026. Merz is visiting China for the first time as Chancellor. EPA/Michael Kappeler / POOL

epa12775435 Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (C) is welcomed with military honors at the Great Hall of the People by Li Qiang (L), Premier of China, in Beijing, China, 25 February 2026. Merz is visiting China for the first time as Chancellor. EPA/Michael Kappeler / POOL