Merz, Xi discuss Ukraine war, trade woes amid global 'chaos'

Germany's Friedrich Merz urged Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to support a Ukraine ceasefire push and discussed thorny economic ties, in the leaders' first call since Merz became chancellor.

Asia's economic giant and Europe's top economy have long-standing trade and business ties.

This is despite political differences between Communist-ruled China and Germany that have deepened as Beijing has grown closer to Russia.

On Friday, both leaders "underlined their readiness to work together as partners", according to Merz's office.

The official Chinese readout of the call said Xi called for "stable and predictable ties" between Berlin and Beijing amid "the convergence of changes and chaos in the international situation".

Both countries have faced challenges in handling mercurial US President Donald Trump as he pursues detente with Russia and imposes sweeping tariffs on foreign imports to the United States.