During the Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Germany to uphold free trade and practice multilateralism.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made these remarks while meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday. He highlighted the increasing trend of unilateralism and protectionism, emphasizing the world's shift towards multi-polarity.
Wang underscored the importance of solidarity, coordination, and cooperation between China, Germany, and the EU. He stressed the need to uphold free trade, practice multilateralism, and support the authority of the United Nations.
Recognizing Germany as a major European country with global influence, Wang expressed China’s eagerness to deepen all-round cooperation with Germany, advance bilateral relations, safeguard global peace and stability, and provide more certainty in a volatile world.
Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, Wang called for strengthened complementarity and deeper practical cooperation to ensure the continued development of bilateral relations over the next five decades.
He also appreciated Germany’s pragmatic stance on EU tariffs on electric vehicles to China, hoping for a constructive resolution of China-EU economic and trade frictions.
Chancellor Scholz responded by affirming Germany’s commitment to its relationship with China. He emphasized the importance of enhancing exchanges, dialogue, and communication at all levels, as well as deepening bilateral and multilateral strategic cooperation.
Both leaders opposed protectionism and tariff wars, advocating for a constructive approach to resolving issues like electric vehicle tariffs to safeguard the free trade system.
The discussions also covered the Ukraine crisis, with Wang and Scholz agreeing on the necessity of a peaceful settlement. They highlighted the need for a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security framework to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
Additionally, Wang met with Friedrich Merz, chairman of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, where they agreed to promote further success in bilateral cooperation.
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FM Wang Yi says China is willing to uphold free trade with Germany
cgtn.com
