Friedrich Merz to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing as China overtakes US as country’s leading export destination Friedrich Merz to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing as China overtakes US as country’s leading export destination China has overtaken the US as Germany’s top trading partner, figures have shown, as the chancellor, Friedrich Merz , prepares for his first visit to Beijing since taking office. Merz will head to China on Tuesday and will be welcomed with military honours on Wednesday in Beijing by