Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Tuesday that China plans to order up to 120 additional aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus. Merz, visiting Beijing to strengthen ties with Asia's largest economy, stated the order reflects the value of high-level diplomatic engagement.

During his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Merz emphasized the need for strengthened strategic communication and mutual trust between Germany and China, particularly amidst global uncertainty. He called for a balanced, fair, and regulated partnership, stressing that Beijing's involvement is crucial for resolving major global issues.

Merz's visit also included discussions on ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He is scheduled to visit Hangzhou, a technology hub, to tour Unitree Robotics, a leading developer of humanoid robots.