Chinese FM calls on Germany to become driving force for cooperation between China, Europe

MUNICH, Germany - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday called on Germany to become a driving force for pragmatic cooperation between China and Europe and an anchor of stability for the strategic relationship between the two sides.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the appeal when meeting here with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Wang conveyed cordial greetings of the Chinese leadership to Merz, and said the Chancellor's speech Friday at the opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference reflects Germany and Europe's aspiration for strategic autonomy as well as self-reliance and strength. China supports Germany in playing a greater role in this regard, he said.

All initiatives proposed and all actions taken by China on the international stage are meant to uphold the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core, Wang said, noting that although the UN's authority and status have been weakened, its important status remains irreplaceable. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping is aimed at revitalizing the UN and building a more just and equitable global governance system, he said.

China and Germany should demonstrate the responsibility of major countries and make new contributions to world peace and development, Wang said.

Noting that China and Germany share extensive common interests and have strong complementary advantages, and strengthening cooperation is a strategic choice based on the practical needs of both countries, Wang said China's commitment to high-level opening-up will provide tremendous opportunities for German companies to invest and operate, hoping that Germany will also provide a more fair and equitable business environment for Chinese companies.

Wang said China stands ready to work with Germany to prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges, strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, explore trilateral cooperation, and elevate the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership to a new level.

For his part, Merz asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings to the Chinese leadership. Noting China's globally recognized remarkable achievements in development, Merz said that the country plays a pivotal role internationally.

Germany and China enjoy close economic and trade relations, and both are beneficiaries and supporters of economic globalization, he said, calling on the two sides to seize opportunities, tap potential and deepen cooperation. Germany consistently opposes protectionism, advocates free trade, and encourages German companies to increase investment and cooperation in China, Merz noted.

Germany adheres to the one-China policy and looks forward to close high-level exchanges with China, strengthening cooperation in various fields, and promoting greater development of Germany-China relations, he added.