German Economy Chief Plans First Trip to China to Talk Trade

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is dispatching his economy minister to China next month as officials in Berlin grow increasingly concerned over a widening trade deficit, access to raw materials and regulation of artificial intelligence.

Katherina Reiche, whose portfolio covers economic affairs and energy, said she’ll travel in May, when she’ll address China’s “unfair trade practices.” The trip is planned for May 26-29, with visits to Beijing and possibly the port city of Guangzhou in the south, according to people familiar with the matter. Details and timing of the trip are subject to change, they said.