On 14 February (Friday), on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a trilateral meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
During the meeting, Wang Yi stated that this first-ever trilateral foreign ministers’ dialogue among China, Germany and France represents an important opportunity to adopt innovative measures and strengthen strategic communication amid new global circumstances. The world, he noted, is witnessing its most profound and complex transformation since the end of the Second World War. Unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism are becoming increasingly prominent, the UN-centered international system is being undermined, and globalization built on open cooperation is facing severe obstacles.
Wang Yi stressed that global peace and development are encountering unprecedented challenges. As major responsible nations and key economic actors, China, Germany and France share significant responsibilities. He urged the three sides to seek consensus and manage differences based on mutual respect, while adhering to mutually beneficial cooperation in order to inject greater stability into an uncertain international landscape.
He added that the past 50 years of China–Europe cooperation demonstrate that both sides are partners, not rivals. Mutual interdependence is not a risk, and open cooperation between the two sides should not be perceived as a threat to security.
German Foreign Minister Wadephul said that in an increasingly unstable world, Germany and France need even more dialogue and communication with China. Major countries must play their roles to help build common ground. Germany values China’s role in global issues and is willing to maintain communication. He added that Germany supports free trade and prefers dialogue to resolve economic and commercial differences with China.
French Foreign Minister Barrot stated that global instability is rising, while multilateralism and the international order face increasing threats. France, China and Germany should jointly contribute to safeguarding world peace and strengthening global governance. He emphasized that in times of instability, building cooperative partnerships becomes even more essential. France is committed to dialogue with China and hopes to work together in defending multilateralism and free trade.
Source: Subarna-Towhid-Labannya, China Media Group.