According to Xinhua News Agency, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz paid an official visit to China from February 25 to 26, 2026. This was Merz's first visit to China after taking office and the first foreign leader received by China during the Year of the Horse in the lunar calendar. President Xi Jinping met with Chancellor Merz, and Premier Li Qiang held talks with him. The two sides issued the Joint Press Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Germany.

On February 25, the Sino-German Dialogue Forum was held in Beijing. Academician Wu Zhiqiang of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, a member of the German Academy of Engineering Sciences, and honorary dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tongji University, participated and spoke as one of the Chinese representatives.

At the dialogue, eight representatives from each side in fields such as economy, science and education, academia, and journalism had in-depth discussions on three topics: Sino-German Mutual Perception, Bilateral Relations and Strategic Outlook, and Global Governance. As the Chinese keynote speaker for the second topic, Academician Wu formally proposed the establishment of the Sino-German Youth Academy of Engineering Sciences to the governments of the two countries.

Academician Wu suggested creating a high-end institution for joint innovation for young engineering and technology talents through the linkage of the Chinese and German academies of engineering sciences. It aims to cultivate leading talents for global sustainable development. His proposal received wide support from representatives of both sides, and several cities in the two countries have expressed interest in hosting the platform.