27 February 2026, Wetzlar, Germany / Beijing, China – Leica Microsystems, a Danaher company and a leading provider of microscopy and scientific solutions, announced that its President and CEO, Dr. Annette Rinck, accompanied German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz as part of the German economic delegation during the state visit to China on February 25 and 26, 2026. As a representative of a German technology company operating globally, Dr. Rinck was invited to contribute a statement at a high-level economic roundtable attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and German Chancellor Merz, among others. In her remarks, Dr. Rinck emphasized the importance of reliable framework conditions, consistent industry standards, and open dialogue as essential enablers of innovation, quality, and long-term value creation in a complex global environment.
“Our participation in this economic delegation highlights the importance of mutual understanding in today's dynamic global environment,” said Dr. Rinck. “We see Leica Microsystems as an active market participant, deeply rooted in China and working in partnership with institutions, customers, industry representatives, and authorities. Advancing innovation across life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare and industrial applications strengthens value chains in both, China and Germany. Reliable framework conditions and efficient processes help ensure that innovations developed together reach users quickly and are of highest quality, contributing to our shared goal of creating a better and healthier world.”
Leica Microsystems has been active in China for more than 40 years with dedicated teams in China collaborating globally and a strong focus on expansion. This long-standing engagement reflects the role of Leica Microsystems as an established participant in the Chinese market, driving local and global value creation in China and globally.
As part of Danaher, a global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, Leica Microsystems benefits from a connected innovation ecosystem linking scientific expertise, advanced technologies, and operational scale. This network enables customers in China and globally to advance innovation across complex workflows. It contributes to research and advanced manufacturing to medical innovation and the acceleration of drug discovery and development.
Reflecting on the visit, Dr. Rinck emphasized the value of relationship-building and direct exchange. “This state visit created space for further dialogue and trusted exchange with Chinese government and industry representatives. This dialogue allows us to learn from one another – including the speed of execution at scale – while respecting consistent processes and standards that help turn innovation potential into real-world impact."
Leica Microsystems, together with Danaher and its teams in China, remains committed to further engagement and open dialogue, in the spirit of equal market participation. China remains a strategically important market and source of innovation, and Leica Microsystems and Danaher are partnering to further develop breakthrough technologies that support scientific progress.
About Leica Microsystems
Leica Microsystems, a Danaher company, develops and manufactures fully integrated solutions for microscopic imaging and scientific instruments to analyze microstructures and nanostructures. The company empowers customers to unveil the invisible and build a better, healthier world. Widely recognized for their optical precision and innovative technology, it is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and surgical microscopes. Their portfolio also covers imaging workflow solutions including sample preparation and AI-enabled image analysis.
For over 175 years, Leica Microsystems has been shaping the future based on a culture rooted in customer focus and innovation. The company has six major plants and product development sites around the world. It is represented in over 100 countries, has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, and an international network of distribution partners. Its headquarters are located in Wetzlar, Germany. Find out more at: www.leica-microsystems.com
About Danaher
Danaher is a leading global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, committed to accelerating the power of science and technology to improve human health. Our businesses partner closely with customers to solve many of the most important health challenges impacting patients around the world. Danaher's advanced science and technology - and proven ability to innovate - help enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and help reduce the time and cost needed to sustainably discover, develop and deliver life-changing therapies. Focused on scientific excellence, innovation and continuous improvement, our approximately 63,000 associates worldwide help ensure that Danaher is improving quality of life for billions of people today, while setting the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow. Explore more at www.danaher.com
