China’s state media portray their country as a stabilizing actor, helpful for Western leaders who are looking for alternative partners given the challenges emanating from the US. They emphasize that China offers solutions in many ways and that Merz’ trip offers a window of opportunity for cooperation between China and Germany.

A cargo ship loaded with foreign trade containers departed from Qingdao Port in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China on January 20, 2026.

MERICS Economic Indicators is our quarterly analysis of China’s economic data. The MERICS Economy and Industry team provides updates on the latest macroeconomic trends and their impact on Europe. 

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Altynay Junusova

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EU-China; China’s foreign policy & geopolitical competition; hybrid interference & disinformation

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Alexander Davey

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Daria Impiombato

Senior Analyst

Elite politics and party-state structures; domestic security and societal resilience; PRC strategic communication and information operations

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Wendy Chang

Senior Analyst

China's tech companies, digital ecosystem and emerging technologies including AI

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping (from right to left) during a meeting ceremony in the Kremlin.

The China-Russia Dashboard monitors the economic, political, security, and societal dimensions of China-Russia relations and their changing quality over time. The results are presented in interactive graphics and analyses.

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