China’s top diplomat Wang Yi told his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in a phone call that closer and mutually beneficial cooperation serves the interests of both countries and is the “right choice,” according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
“China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners,” and they “should not engage in a trade war,” Wang told his German counterpart, a ministry statement said Monday.
“China has consistently advocated that both sides meet each other halfway and find solutions to their respective concerns through dialogue and consultation,” he added.
Wang also called on Germany to maintain a rational and pragmatic approach and to play a constructive role within the EU.
He said Berlin should support free trade and opp ose protectionist measures.
Meanwhile, the German Foreign Ministry said Wang and Wadephul agreed that a stable global economy is in the interests of China, Germany, and Europe.
“Trade relations have to be based on fair rules and a real level playing field,” the ministry said in a post on US social media platform X.
The discussions also covered the situations in Iran and Ukraine, as well as Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.
Wang urged Germany to take concrete steps to safeguard Chinese-German relations and help maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He said doing so would create the necessary conditions for high-level bilateral exchanges.
