Beijing, December 2, 2024 – The Europe Today: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock co-chaired the seventh round of the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security in Beijing on Monday. The meeting coincided with the 10th anniversary of the all-round strategic partnership between the two nations.
Reflecting on the milestone, Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, underscored the importance of evaluating past achievements and exploring future opportunities. “China has always regarded Germany as an important partner since the establishment of diplomatic relations 52 years ago,” he stated, emphasizing the stability and consistency of China’s policy toward Germany.
Wang urged the two nations, as the world’s second- and third-largest economies, to prioritize dialogue and cooperation, resist Cold War-era confrontations, and collaboratively address global challenges.
German Foreign Minister Baerbock affirmed Germany’s commitment to its relationship with China and adherence to the one-China policy. Highlighting the importance of maintaining open dialogue in a volatile global landscape, she said, “Candid dialogue with China and strengthened strategic communication are crucial for the correct development of bilateral relations and for contributing to global peace and stability.”
Baerbock also expressed Germany’s appreciation for China’s efforts in combating climate change.
Trade tensions featured prominently in the discussions, particularly the European Union’s imposition of high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which Wang criticized as a violation of free trade principles. He called on the EU and Germany to adopt a pragmatic approach toward resolving trade disputes through dialogue and negotiation.
In response, Baerbock emphasized Germany’s support for continued negotiations between the EU and China to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution.
The dialogue reinforced the importance of China-Germany cooperation in addressing global challenges and ensuring the sustainable development of their strategic partnership.
