Johannesburg (TDI): Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of deepening communication and addressing mutual concerns between China and Germany during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the 20th G20 Summit.
Li highlighted that China and Germany have been key economic and trade partners since establishing diplomatic relations 53 years ago. Over the years, sustained dialogue and cooperation have effectively supported the development of both countries, he noted.
Referring to a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chancellor Merz in May, Li said that mutual respect and win-win cooperation remain the guiding principles of China-Germany relations. He stressed that building a stable, sustainable, and high-quality strategic partnership aligns with the long-term interests of both peoples.
Premier Li underlined China’s willingness to strengthen strategic communication with Germany, respect each other’s core interests, and consolidate the political foundation of bilateral ties. He also called for expanding practical cooperation across multiple sectors to enrich the relationship further.
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Li expressed hope that Germany would adopt a rational and pragmatic approach to China policy, overcoming obstacles to focus on shared interests and reinforce the basis for collaboration.
He highlighted emerging fields such as new energy, intelligent manufacturing, biomedicine, hydrogen technology, and smart driving as promising areas for joint innovation, industrial transformation, and new momentum in cooperation.
Marking this year as the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties, Li encouraged Germany to help the EU adopt a long-term, broad, and open-minded perspective toward China, and to strengthen dialogue and cooperation as partners to promote common development and prosperity.
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Finally, Li said China is ready to work with Germany to enhance coordination in global governance platforms, including the United Nations and the G20, uphold multilateralism and free trade, and act as a constructive force in promoting global peace and development.
