On 14 February, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Wang Yi, Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and China’s Foreign Minister, in Munich.
At the start of the meeting, Wang Yi conveyed the Chinese leadership’s greetings to Chancellor Scholz. Wang noted that the Chancellor’s speech at the opening session of the Munich Security Conference reflected Germany’s and Europe’s strategic autonomy and aspiration for self-reliance. China expressed support for Germany taking a larger role in this regard. He emphasized that China’s initiatives on the international stage are aimed at upholding a UN-centered global order, which, despite some erosion of authority, remains fundamentally important. President Xi Jinping has initiated reforms of the global governance system to revitalize the UN and promote a more just and rational international order. In this context, Wang Yi stressed that China and Germany should play responsible roles and contribute to world peace and development. He also expressed hope that Germany will act as a driving force for practical China–EU cooperation and as a stabilizing anchor for strategic China–EU relations.
Wang Yi further highlighted the many areas of shared and complementary interests between China and Germany. Strengthening cooperation is a strategic choice based on practical needs of both countries. China will continue to pursue high-quality opening-up, creating substantial opportunities for German companies to expand investment and business. He expressed hope that Germany will ensure a fair and equitable business environment for Chinese companies. China is prepared to enhance high-level communication, expand practical cooperation across sectors, and explore trilateral collaboration to elevate the China–Germany comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.
In response, Chancellor Scholz asked Wang Yi to convey his personal greetings to the Chinese leadership. He praised China for its remarkable development and emergence as a global power with a significant role on the international stage. Scholz emphasized that Germany is committed to a rules-based international order and upholding the authority and role of the World Trade Organization, aligning with China’s vision of global governance.
He added that if Germany and China nurture and implement these shared principles, it will benefit both countries and the world at large. Germany and China maintain close economic ties and are both supporters and beneficiaries of globalization. Chancellor Scholz underscored the importance of seizing opportunities, exploring potential, and deepening cooperation. Germany consistently opposes protectionism, supports free trade, encourages German companies to increase investment and collaboration in China, adheres to the One-China Policy, and seeks to strengthen high-level communication and cooperation across sectors to advance bilateral relations.
Source: Swarna-Towhid-Lili, China Media Group.