外媒聚焦默茨访华：欧洲需要中国，德国必须与中国接触

Group 1 - German Chancellor Merz's visit to China is aimed at strengthening economic ties between Germany and China, highlighting the potential benefits for both countries through balanced and reliable cooperation [1][5] - The visit is significant as it follows similar visits by French President Macron and UK Prime Minister Starmer, indicating a trend of European leaders seeking closer relations with China amid growing rifts with the US [2][4] - A survey by the German Chamber of Commerce indicates that 56% of German companies are considering strengthening partnerships with Chinese counterparts to expand their business in China [2] Group 2 - The presence of a high-profile economic delegation, including executives from major automotive companies like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, underscores the importance of the Chinese market for German businesses [4][5] - China's position as the world's second-largest economy is projected to make it Germany's largest trading partner by 2025, emphasizing the strategic significance of the Chinese market for German enterprises [4] - German companies view China not only as a sales market but also as a center for innovation and a key technological partner, particularly in sectors like electric vehicles, software, artificial intelligence, and battery technology [5]