Merkel heads to China to discuss Iran, trade, rule of law

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is heading to China with a business delegation as both Beijing and the EU are grappling with the US over trade issues and Washington’s rejection of the Iran nuclear deal. Merkel is set to leave Wednesday afternoon. She said in her weekly video message her talks with Chinese leaders will address issues such as the rule of law, the economic situation and international disputes such as those over trade. German officials have been keen recently to stress their continued commitment to trans-Atlantic ties and dismiss suggestions that Germany is seeking alternative alliances, AP said.