China signals major Airbus aircraft order during Merz visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Beijing that China intends to order up to 120 additional aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus, marking a significant development in China-Europe trade relations. The announcement followed Merz’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during his first official visit to China as chancellor.

Strategic aviation cooperation

Speaking to reporters after his talks in Beijing, Merz described the prospective Airbus order as proof of the “tangible results” that high-level diplomacy can deliver. Although he did not disclose the financial details or timeline of the agreement, he stressed that aviation cooperation between China and Europe creates strong industrial synergy.

China remains one of Airbus’ most critical markets. The European manufacturer already operates an A320 final assembly line in Tianjin, reflecting Beijing’s strategy of localizing production while maintaining access to advanced aerospace technology. Large-scale aircraft orders are typically distributed among state-owned Chinese carriers, reinforcing Beijing’s role in shaping global aviation demand.

Balancing Airbus and Boeing

For years, Beijing has carefully balanced purchases between Airbus and its American rival Boeing. Bulk aircraft agreements have often mirrored broader geopolitical currents. Analysts note that while Boeing could benefit from renewed US-China trade diplomacy under President Trump, Airbus appears to be consolidating Europe’s foothold in the Chinese market through sustained political engagement.

The potential 120-aircraft order would strengthen Airbus’ long-term presence in Asia, particularly as global aviation rebounds and competition intensifies across major markets, including the Middle East and Europe.

Western outreach to Beijing amid US tensions

Merz’s Beijing visit comes at a time of mounting friction between Washington and several Western capitals over tariffs and unilateral trade measures. In recent months, a series of Western leaders have traveled to China seeking economic dialogue. Among them were Spain’s King Felipe VI and French President Emmanuel Macron, reflecting a broader European effort to preserve strategic autonomy in trade and industry.

For Europe, and particularly export-driven economies like Germany, engagement with China remains economically vital despite geopolitical headwinds. The latest Airbus discussions illustrate how major industrial contracts continue to shape diplomatic agendas between Beijing and European capitals.