Merz: China to order up to 120 aircraft from Airbus - Germany secures 120 Airbus jets in China trade breakthrough under Merz's visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has concluded a high-profile visit to Beijing with a major trade announcement. Chinese leaders agreed to purchase up to 120 additional Airbus aircraft, marking a key outcome of the trip. Merz also confirmed that further business deals were in the pipeline for German firms, though specifics remained undisclosed.

During his stay, Merz stressed that securing individual contracts was not the only goal. He raised concerns about long-standing trade imbalances, noting that overcapacity in China has skewed the relationship for nearly two years. The Chancellor called for clearer rules on market access and fair competition for companies operating in the country.

Beyond the Airbus agreement, Merz described additional contracts as 'very concrete' but did not name the industries or firms involved. He also pushed for greater transparency and reliability in economic ties between the two nations. Future talks with Chinese officials will focus on easing export controls and addressing barriers that limit German businesses in the Chinese market.

The visit resulted in a confirmed Airbus order and the promise of more deals for German companies. Merz's discussions highlighted ongoing challenges, including trade deficits and market restrictions. Follow-up negotiations are expected to tackle these issues in greater detail.