France, Feb. 26 -- The deal, if signed, will be worth billions of euros and was announced alongside Chinese Premier Li Qiang. It would also bolster Airbus production in Hamburg and Toulouse, potentially securing thousands of European jobs.

"We have just received news that the Chinese leadership will order a larger number of additional aircraft from Airbus," Merz stated, highlighting Germany's drive to strengthen economic links amid global trade strains.

The two-day trip - Merz's first to China as chancellor - aims to mend Berlin-Beijing relations strained by tariffs, technology curbs and the war in Ukraine.

Accompanied by CEOs from Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Siemens, Merz seeks fairer market access and supply chain resilience. ...