The Chancellor in China: Resist the charm offensive, stick to four guardrails

During Friedrich Merz’s trip to China, Beijing will try to exploit transatlantic tensions, writes Cora Jungbluth of the Bertelsmann Stiftung. She advises him to deliberately invoke the very goals China itself has pursued for years: reducing dependencies and strengthening domestic capacities.

Cora Jungbluth

22. February 2026

Small Medium Large

Recipients need a subscription to read

Share on Bluesky Share via email Print

Cora Jungbluth

22. February 2026

Small Medium Large

Recipients need a subscription to read

Share on Bluesky Share via email Print

Last updated: 22. February 2026