Sino-German ties set to be strengthened

China and Germany have pledged to strengthen strategic communication and deepen cooperation, as both sides embark on a new chapter in their all-around strategic partnership amid global uncertainties.

On Thursday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the eighth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Berlin.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, and the China-Germany all-around strategic partnership has also entered a new decade. He noted that a sound China-Germany relationship will not only drive the overall development of China-EU relations, but also bear great significance for global stability and development.

As the world's second and third-largest economies, China and Germany shoulder important international responsibilities and expectations, Wang said, adding that the two countries should reaffirm mutual trust, consolidate cooperation and deepen bilateral ties.

Amid a complex global landscape marked by rising protectionism, deglobalization, unilateralism and bullying acts, Wang called for closer strategic communication between the two countries to contribute greater certainty to the world. He urged both sides to jointly advocate and practice multilateralism, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, and maintain international order backed by international law and principles of the UN Charter.

Wang said that President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, setting the direction and tone for the next stage of China-Germany relations.

Wang emphasized that mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and pursuing win-win cooperation represent the fundamental logic for sustained development of Sino-German ties.

Responding to a question about European companies' concerns over China's rare earth export controls, Wang said it is a sovereign right and international responsibility for any country to impose necessary regulations on dual-use items — goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes, adding that China's policy is in line with international practices and contributes to safeguarding global peace and stability.

He highlighted that European firms' normal needs will be met as long as export control regulations are followed.

Wang noted that the Chinese authorities have also established a "fast track" mechanism to facilitate exports to European companies.

Wadephul said Germany is willing to be a reliable and predictable partner for China and that close communication and cooperation are vital in a world full of crises and challenges. He said Germany looks forward to enhancing communication and exchanges and continuously strengthening bilateral cooperation with China. The German government firmly adheres to the one-China policy, he said.

Laying groundwork

Experts said Wang's visit comes at a crucial moment as China and the EU prepare for a high-level meeting in Beijing. Michael Borchmann, an expert on China-Germany relations, said Wang's visit aims to lay the groundwork for fruitful results amid global uncertainty and ongoing trade disputes.

Bart Dessein, a professor at the Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations, said Germany's role is pivotal as China's major economic partner in Europe. "The three countries Wang visits this time — Belgium, Germany and France — are all economically important for China within the EU," Dessein said.

Lai Suetyi, an associate professor at the Center for European Studies at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, said Germany's economy has shown signs of strong recovery this year, boosting the EU's leverage on the global stage.

"With Germany regaining financial strength, the EU now has more options when facing challenges from the US," Lai said.