German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at the airport on February 24, 2026 before setting off his inaugural trip to China Photo: German government website

　　German companies have expressed their strong commitment to the Chinese market, viewing it as vital for innovation and global trade. They have underlined the importance of Chinese market, stressing that overlooking its market scale and innovative strength means missing out on key drivers of global growth.

　　Such remarks came as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting China, his first trip to the country since taking office.

　　On Tuesday, China"s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce released details of Merz"s visit, confirming his meetings with Chinese leaders and the participation of around 30 senior executives from top German firms. The delegation covers sectors including automotive, chemicals, biopharmaceuticals, machinery and the circular economy.

　　Bloomberg reported that he"ll travel on to tech hub Hangzhou in East China"s Zhejiang Province for a tour of facilities operated by Chinese robotics firm Unitree and Germany"s Siemens Energy AG.

　　The BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse accompanied Merz on his visit to China. During the visit, the BMW Group and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing, according to information shared by the company with the Global Times on Wednesday.

　　"Looking ahead, this is more important than ever: those who disregard China"s vast market and innovation potential will miss major opportunities for global growth and economic success," Zipse said.