On February 14, local time, German Chancellor Mertz met with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, in Munich.
Wang Yi first conveyed the cordial greetings from Chinese leaders to Mertz. Wang Yi said that Mr. Prime Minister’s speech at the opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference yesterday reflected Germany and Europe’s desire for strategic independence, self-reliance and self-reliance. China supports Germany in playing a greater role in this regard. All initiatives and actions China takes on the international stage are aimed at safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core. Although the authority and status of the United Nations have been weakened, its important position remains irreplaceable. President Xi Jinping proposed the global governance initiative to revitalize the United Nations and build a more fair and reasonable global governance system. Against this background, China and Germany should demonstrate their responsibilities as major powers and make new contributions to promoting world peace and development. We also expect Germany to become a propeller for China-EU practical cooperation and a stable anchor for China-EU strategic relations.
Wang Yi said that China and Germany have many common interests and complementary advantages, and strengthening cooperation is a strategic choice based on the practical needs of the two countries. China's insistence on high-level opening up will provide huge opportunities for German companies to invest and start business. It is hoped that Germany will also provide a fairer and just business environment for Chinese companies. China is willing to work with Germany to prepare for high-level exchanges in the next stage, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, explore trilateral cooperation, and promote China-Germany all-round strategic partnership to a new level.
Mertz asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings to the Chinese leaders. Mertz said that China has achieved brilliant development achievements that have attracted worldwide attention, has become a world power, and plays a decisive role in the international community. Germany is committed to safeguarding the rules-based international order and safeguarding the status and role of the World Trade Organization, which is consistent with China's concept of global governance. Germany and China jointly adhere to and practice these concepts, which is beneficial to both countries and the world. Germany and China have close economic and trade relations, and both sides are beneficiaries and supporters of economic globalization. We should seize opportunities, tap potential, and deepen cooperation. Germany has always opposed protectionism, advocated free trade, and encouraged German companies to increase investment and cooperation with China. Germany adheres to the one-China policy and looks forward to intensifying high-level exchanges with China, advancing cooperation in various fields, and promoting greater development of Germany-China relations.
