German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for transparent communication channels with Beijing as he arrived for his first official visit to China, attempting to balance deep economic ties with growing concerns over trade imbalances. https://www.caixinglobal.com/2026-02-26/merz-calls-for-open-dialogue-with-beijing-as-trade-deficit-widens-102417180.html?rkey=4jojc%2BU9Dvsngy8ZDEibRfFL%2FE7ci4pKwWqhNWp%2B0D6VKPSVBG0dfw%3D%3D&cxg=web&Sfrom=twitter