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Merz Urges Xi to Back Western Efforts for Ukraine Truce

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their initial conversation as counterparts on a Friday in 2025, focusing on economic and geopolitical matters.
The call occurred amid rising political differences, Beijing's closer ties to Russia, and Germany's policy of de-risking to reduce economic dependence on China.
They addressed thorny trade relations including China's demand for fair competition and market access, Germany's concerns over Chinese investment in sensitive sectors, and their extensive bilateral trade valued at around 246 billion euros last year.
Merz urged Xi to support Western and European Union efforts for a quick ceasefire in Ukraine, while both leaders emphasized their 'readiness to work together as partners' to tackle global challenges amid 'convergence of changes and chaos' internationally.
The call underscored the complex balance between maintaining vital economic ties and addressing geopolitical tensions, suggesting continued diplomatic efforts but persistent underlying disputes.

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Tagesschau

Center

Ukraine Live Blog: ++ Merz Advertises Ceasefire at China ++

During a phone call with China's head of state Xi, Federal Chancellor Merz campaigned for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine exchanged 390 captured soldiers and civilians each.

10 hours ago·Hamburg, Germany

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Sueddeutsche Zeitung

Lean Left

Merz on the Phone with Xi - and Calls for Fair Competition

Chancellor Merz talks to China's President Xi for the first time. They both want to work together, but also clearly state where they disagree.

11 hours ago·Munich, Germany

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Deutschlandfunk

Center

German-Chinese Relations - Merz Calls for Fair Competition in Phone Calls with President Xi

In his first telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi, Federal Chancellor Merz stressed the importance of fair competition in economic relations between Germany and China, said a government spokesman in Berlin.

14 hours ago·Germany

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Deutsche Welle

Center

Merz Promotes Ceasefire at Xi in Ukraine

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on China's President Xi Jinping to support efforts to end the war in Ukraine, while at the same time pushing for fair economic relations.

14 hours ago·Bonn, Germany

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hna.de

Center

End of the Ukraine War: Merz Calls China's President for Support – Lavrov Calls Chancellor "Shameless"

News about the Ukraine War: Merz demands support from China for a ceasefire. Trump announces a prisoner exchange – Kiev contradicts. The ticker.

14 hours ago

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Bangkok Post

Lean Right

German and Chinese leaders discuss Ukraine, trade woes

BERLIN - Germany’s Friedrich Merz urged Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to support a Ukraine ceasefire push and discussed thorny economic ties, in the leaders’ first call since Merz became chancellor.

14 hours ago·Bangkok, Thailand

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