During her first trip to China since taking office in November, Merkel will seek to persuade her hosts to match China's emerging economic might with a greater diplomatic presence, German officials said.

"The economic role of China has grown and so has its responsibility on the international stage. Based on its economic position, China must take on more responsibilities," said one official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Specifically, Germany would like to see China involved more closely in the international efforts to solve the nuclear crisis in Iran.

China, which has the power of veto on the UN Security Council, has said it is against the use of force or sanctions against Iran.

The German call for greater Chinese involvement in world affairs appeared to be part of a growing international chorus urging Beijing to assume responsibilities fit for an economy of its size.

In the United States, top officials have repeatedly asked China to leverage its influence in seeking a solution to the North Korean nuclear standoff.

Merkel will spend Monday in Beijing for meetings with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, whom she met when he visited Berlin last November, before flying to Shanghai on Monday evening.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao used a regular briefing last week to signal the economic importance that the host attached to the trip.

"Germany has been an important partner for China in trade, the trade volume between the sides registered 63.2 billion dollars (in 2005), accounting for one third of the trade volume between China and the European Union," Liu said.

"There has been extensive cooperation between China and Germany in various fields, including trade and commerce, culture, sports, science and technology and environment protection."

A 40-strong delegation of business leaders and Economy Minister Michael Glos will accompany Merkel on the trip, reflecting China's role as Germany's biggest trading partner in Asia.

More than 20 agreements and contracts will be signed during the visit, including an accord that will see Chinese garment manufacturers who use counterfeit fabrics barred from trade exhibitions and fashion shows.

Merkel came to office at the head of a power-sharing government in November last year.

Her predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder, visited China six times in his seven years in office, usually accompanied by a large delegation of German business chiefs.

During Merkel's visit, Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries will host a Chinese-German human rights forum set up by Schroeder.

Representatives from a cross-section of Chinese society have been invited to attend a reception at the German embassy in Beijing.

That is part of what officials said was Merkel's desire to see the "reality of the situation in China".

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