Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently concluded a captivating two-day tour of China, offering a fascinating look at a nation gracefully balancing its rich historical tapestry with a relentless drive towards technological innovation. His journey began in Beijing, where he immersed himself in the grandeur of the **Forbidden City**. This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site, which served as the imperial palace for over five centuries, remains an iconic symbol of China’s profound cultural legacy and architectural mastery.
From this historical heartland, Merz ventured south to **Hangzhou**, a bustling metropolis often hailed as China’s answer to Silicon Valley. This vibrant city, home to over 12 million inhabitants, has rapidly transformed into a global hub for high-tech companies. Here, giants like e-commerce titan Alibaba and cutting-edge artificial intelligence leader DeepSeek are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
A particularly intriguing stop was at **Unitree Robotics**. Founded in 2016 by Wang Xingxing, this innovative company has gained significant renown for its sophisticated four-legged robots. Their humanoid creations even made headlines when they enchanted millions by performing a folk dance on stage during the 2025 Chinese New Year Festival TV gala – a truly futuristic spectacle! Merz also took the opportunity to visit Hangzhou Siemens Energy, an important European presence in the city since 1995, specializing in high-voltage switchgear.
Merz’s trip served as a powerful reminder of China’s dynamic evolution, showcasing a country that reveres its past while boldly striding into a future where ancient traditions meet advanced robotics.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/germanys-merz-visit-forbidden-city-214334799.html
