Image: from Airbus Newsroom X @AirbusPRESS
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
BEIJING — In a move that underscores a shift toward “pragmatic economic engagement” between Europe and Asia, China has signaled its intent to place a massive order for up to 120 Airbus aircraft. The announcement coincided with a high-stakes state visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who arrived in Beijing this week to recalibrate trade relations amid a cooling trans-Atlantic alliance.
The potential deal, estimated to be worth billions of dollars, was highlighted by Chancellor Merz during his two-day official visit. The visit marks Merz’s first trip to China since assuming office last May and is being closely watched by global markets as a barometer for future EU-China relations.
Merz bückt sich.
Er spricht deutsch.
Das ist ungewöhnlich, da er sonst gerne englische Texte abliest.China ist entscheidend für Deutschlands Zukunft; Merz will kein Risiko eingehen.
Er ist zum ersten Mal in China. Hat wenig Ahnung und ist sehr unsicher
Mein Urteil: 不错 https://t.co/dvQ2HA1bbJ
— Eggie B. (@KoanEggie) February 25, 2026
A Milestone for European Aerospace
The anticipated order, which reportedly includes up to 120 commercial aircraft, serves as a major victory for the European aerospace giant. Industry analysts suggest that the deal would not only reinforce Airbus’s market dominance in China but also fill a critical gap as Chinese demand for long-haul and regional air travel surges following the complete post-pandemic recovery.
The order is expected to include a mix of narrow-body and wide-body models, potentially featuring the A330neo. For China, favoring Airbus sends a calculated diplomatic signal, particularly as its relations with U.S.-based rival Boeing remain strained due to ongoing trade disputes and regulatory hurdles.
Merz Advocates for “Pragmatic Cooperation”
Leading a delegation of approximately 30 senior executives, including the heads of Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, Chancellor Merz has used the platform to call for deeper cooperation between the European Union and China.
“We share responsibility in the world, and we should live up to this responsibility together,” Merz told reporters ahead of talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The Chancellor emphasized that while China remains a “systemic competitor,” it is also a vital economic partner. His visit focused on:
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Trade and Investment: Ensuring fair competition for German firms in the Chinese market.
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Global Stability: Addressing the “new era of great power rivalry” where supply chains and technology have become geopolitical weapons.
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Predictable Relations: Moving away from unilateralism toward a more stable, rules-based trade framework between Brussels and Beijing.
The “Stabilizing Anchor” of Diplomacy
The visit comes as China enters the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Chinese officials have welcomed German collaboration in “emerging fields” such as clean energy, robotics, and the circular economy. Merz’s itinerary also includes a visit to a Chinese robotics hub in Hangzhou and a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle plant, signaling Germany’s interest in China’s rapidly advancing tech sector.
For Beijing, the Airbus deal and the warm reception of the German Chancellor serve as a “stabilizing anchor” in China-EU relations. Analysts note that by strengthening ties with Berlin, Beijing aims to resist the protectionist trends currently rising in the United States and other Western blocs.
The Competitive Landscape
The Airbus order would follow a series of record-breaking aviation deals globally, including massive orders from Air India and IndiGo in recent years. If finalized, this 120-jet commitment would solidify Airbus’s lead in the Chinese market, where Boeing has struggled to secure a major order since 2017.
As the third Western leader to visit China in 2026, following counterparts from Canada and the UK, Merz’s trip is viewed as a pivotal moment in determining whether the EU can maintain a distinct and independent economic path from Washington.