UPDATE - Merz says China visit met expectations, pledges to strengthen economic ties

ADDS CHANCELLOR’S VISIT TO ROBOTICS, CAR CENTERS

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday his first official visit to China met expectations and pledged to deepen political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

"I am returning home with many good impressions and with many tasks that we still have to tackle together," Merz said after concluding his visits in Hangzhou, a major technology hub.

"We should strengthen relations with China. I am, in any case, determined to do that. This applies to political dialogue, but also to economic cooperation," he said.

The chancellor announced that Germany and China plan to resume governmental consultations, with the next meeting scheduled by early next year, possibly later this year, with China serving as host.

"I look forward to the next visit to the People's Republic of China and further good exchanges, politically and also in terms of economic policy," he said.

Merz said various issues will be discussed in the coming weeks and months, including challenges faced by German companies, the impact of Chinese industrial overcapacity on European markets, and opportunities for closer economic cooperation.

"I will ask our economy minister to pay a follow-up visit to China. We are seeking to improve our good cooperation, and we will also address the difficult issues quite openly," he said.

- Merz visits Unitree, Mercedes plant

Merz visited the Chinese humanoid robot company Unitree Robotics in Hangzhou, where he observed robots competing in a boxing ring and performing martial arts routines, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.

Wang Xingsheng, 36, founder of Unitree, called thr visit “a great honor.”
“This is an opportunity to build cooperation with more German companies and a catalyst for jointly advancing the global intelligent robotics industry,” he said, according to the Chosun Daily.

Unitree’s humanoid robots previously impressed audiences with a performance at China's annual Spring Gala, showcasing the company’s advances in intelligent robotics.

Merz also visited a Mercedes plant in Beijing on Thursday, where he was shown a demonstration of self-driving vehicles.

*Sidrah Roghay contributed from Pakistan