China & Nord Stream-2 Top Agenda As Biden Meets Merkel

Serious differences over China and the Nord Stream-2 Russia to Germany natural gas pipeline are expected to be high on the agenda as President Joe Biden hosts outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel for what's expected to be her last visit as head of state to the White House on Thursday. She steps down this fall after long ago affirming she wouldn't seek a fifth term in 2021, and since becoming chancellor has made 23 official visits to Washington. The two sides are hoping to mend deeply strained relations ahead of Germany's election in ten…