China is set to purchase up to 120 more aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus.
“The Chinese leadership will be ordering a larger number of additional aircraft from Airbus. The total order will include up to 120 additional aircraft,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced as he travelled to Beijing to strengthen ties between Germany and Asia’s largest economy.
Merz held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Wednesday, against a backdrop of mounting economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
“The more turbulent and complex the world becomes, the more China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust,” Xi said during the bilateral meeting.
Merz responded that despite lingering challenges, the two nations should focus on shared interests and tackle the challenges ahead together.
Before departing for Beijing, Merz—who has consistently advocated for a stronger Europe, both militarily and economically—signalled that he would push for fair competition conditions for German companies.
“Our message from a European point of view is the same: We want a balanced, reliable, regulated and fair partnership with China,” Merz said.
“This is our offer. At the same time, it is what we also hope for and expect from the Chinese side.”
The meeting forms part of Merz’s two-day trip to China. In addition to talks on bilateral relations, the German chancellor also appealed for Beijing’s help in ending Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“The big global political problems can no longer be tackled today without involving Beijing,” Merz said.
“Beijing’s voice is heard, including in Moscow.”