Premier Li Qiang urges Germany to be ‘rational and pragmatic’ on China policy

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has urged Germany to stand by a rational and pragmatic China policy and focus on common interests in his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who plans a state visit next year.

“We hope the German side will adhere to a rational and pragmatic China policy, rule out interference and pressure, focus on shared interests and consolidate the foundation for cooperation,” Li told Merz on Sunday on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The meeting marks another step towards mending ties between Beijing and Berlin, which were strained last month when German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul postponed a planned visit to China because he could not secure enough meetings.

Instead, last week, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil became Berlin’s first minister to visit China since the new coalition government took office earlier this year. The two sides held a financial dialogue in Beijing and vowed to strengthen economic cooperation and expand bilateral market opening.

The subject of markets resurfaced during the talks in Johannesburg. Specifically, Li said China was ready to work with Germany in emerging fields, including new energy, biomedicine, hydrogen energy technology and intelligent driving.

In addition, Beijing hoped Berlin would encourage the European Union to view China-EU relations with “a broader perspective, a longer-term vision and a more open mind”, and adhere to the partnership positioning with China”, the Chinese premier added.

Merz said Germany was committed to maintaining an open approach and deepening bilateral political and economic ties, and that it believed China’s 15th five-year plan would present opportunities for both Germany and Europe, according to the Chinese foreign ministry’s account.

The chancellor told Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s state-funded broadcaster, he was preparing a state visit to China next year.

  

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