On the afternoon of February 25, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.
President Xi noted that China and Germany are respectively the world’s second- and third-largest economies. Their bilateral relations not only concern the interests of both countries but also have significant implications for Europe and the wider world. He said the international situation is undergoing its most profound changes since World War II. The more turbulent and complex the world becomes, the more China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication, enhance mutual strategic trust, and elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.
President Xi put forward three proposals for the future development of China–Germany relations.
First, the two countries should remain reliable partners that support each other. China and Germany have both advanced rapidly based on their own development paths, establishing a successful model of mutually beneficial cooperation grounded in mutual respect, trust, and open collaboration.
Second, they should be open, innovative, and mutually beneficial partners. The German government has introduced new development strategies in technology, innovation, and the digital sector, which align closely with China’s goals in artificial intelligence, green development, and coordinated growth under the 14th Five-Year Plan. The two sides should strengthen the alignment of their development strategies, promote the two-way flow of talent, knowledge, and technology, and enhance dialogue and cooperation in frontier fields such as artificial intelligence. At the same time, it is essential to properly manage the balance between competition and cooperation, explore mutually beneficial avenues, and maintain the stability of industrial and supply chains.
Third, the two countries should foster deeper mutual understanding and friendship. China and Germany both possess rich cultural traditions. The two sides should strengthen exchanges between civilizations, enhance people-to-people interactions, and further consolidate the foundation of friendship between their peoples.
President Xi emphasized that in a rapidly changing world, all nations should advance together toward a shared future. China and Germany should uphold the central role of the United Nations, revitalize its leadership, and act as defenders of multilateralism, adherents to international law, supporters of free trade, and advocates of unity and cooperation. He said China supports Europe’s independent development and hopes Europe will work alongside China to maintain strategic partnership, strengthen open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial cooperation, and further advance China–Europe relations to contribute more significantly to global peace and development.
Source: Shishir-Alim-Anandi, China Media Group.