German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a two-day visit aimed at pushing for fair trade conditions for German firms and seeking China’s support to help end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking before leaving Berlin, Merz said Europe wants a partnership with China that is “balanced, reliable and fair.” He noted that his trip follows recent visits by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and comes ahead of a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump in April.

This is Merz’s first visit to China since taking office last May. He has been advocating a stronger and more self-reliant Europe amid rising global tensions, including U.S. tariffs and calls for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security.

Merz said major global crises, including the war involving Russia, cannot be resolved without Beijing’s involvement, noting that China’s voice carries weight in Moscow. Many European governments, however, are frustrated that China has not done more to pressure Russia to end the conflict. Beijing says its stance on the war is neutral and hopes all sides will reach a lasting peace agreement.

Economically, Merz is expected to raise concerns about trade imbalances and market access. A surge in Chinese exports has put pressure on factory jobs in Europe. Germany’s imports from China rose sharply last year, while its exports to China declined.

European leaders are urging Chinese firms to invest and build factories in Europe. They also want Beijing to reduce excess manufacturing capacity in sectors like electric vehicles and solar panels, which has pushed global prices down, and to ease restrictions faced by foreign companies in the world’s second-largest economy.

In a commentary, China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency said both countries, as major economies, share responsibility to keep global supply chains stable and oppose protectionism.