German Chancellor Merz promotes cooperation during China company visits

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday wrapped up his China visit by embracing the future of mobility and robotics, pledging cooperation between the two countries.

Merz took the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class for a test ride in Beijing on Thursday morning, experiencing the intelligent assisted driving system during his official visit to China.

"This is amazing. I think it's one of the future technologies for mobility," Merz said after the experience, commending the close cooperation between German manufacturers and Chinese tech companies.

Mercedes-Benz has established a comprehensive local footprint and cooperation network spanning its entire industrial chain in China, the company said in a press release on Thursday. Its Chinese R&D team is playing an increasingly crucial role within Mercedes-Benz's global R&D network, the statement notes.

Merz's official visit to China took place on February 25 and 26. Visiting companies from both countries and promoting practical cooperation were key items on his Thursday agenda.

Merz arrived in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, at noon on Thursday. At Unitree Robotics, he watched humanoid robots performing different tasks and was impressed by their agile movements.

Wang Xingxing, founder and CEO of Unitree, told CGTN that Merz's visit highlights the global focus on China's robotics industry.

Wang said he looks forward to deepening collaboration with German and global companies to advance humanoid robotics and AI to the next level.

Merz also visited Siemens High Voltage Circuit Breaker Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, where he learned about the development of German-funded enterprises in China.

Executives from approximately 30 leading German companies in sectors such as automotive, chemicals, biopharmaceuticals, machinery and the circular economy accompanied Merz on his visit. More than ten commercial agreements were reached, sending a clear signal of deepening pragmatic cooperation.

As his trip concluded, Merz said he was leaving China with deep impressions of the country, and noted that Germany and China enjoy good cooperation and also face challenges that they need to address together.