German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded his first official visit to China with a delegation of business leaders, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

He highlighted concerns about Germany’s growing trade deficit with China, calling the economic imbalance “not healthy.”

During the trip, China agreed to purchase up to 120 additional Airbus aircraft, a deal Merz described as a key outcome of the visit.

He also urged Beijing to use its influence over Russia to help end the war in Ukraine, noting that China’s signals are closely watched in Moscow, the DW has reported.

Merz’s visit follows recent trips to Beijing by leaders from the UK, France, and Canada, underscoring Germany’s engagement with China amid tensions with the U.S.