China once supported Germany's unification cause and hopes Germany will also support China's great cause of peaceful reunification, said Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Saturday.

He said that Taiwan's return to China was an important part of the post-World War II international order. Currently, "Taiwan independence" forces on the island are scheming to undermine the status quo, which has endangered peace across the Taiwan Straits, Wang added. To maintain stability, separatist activities must be resolutely opposed, he noted.

Responding to Wang's remarks, Baerbock said that Germany understands the importance and sensitivity of the Taiwan question to China and reaffirmed that Germany would continue adhering to the one-China principle.

Wang told Baerbock that China maintains a high degree of stability and continuity in its foreign policy, and will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy to promote world peace and development.

He added that China conforms to the trend of globalization and pursues a win-win strategy of opening up. China firmly upholds the authority of the United Nations and the international order after World War II, and opposes unilateralism and hegemony, Wang said. China hopes to promote democracy in international relations, he added.

Noting China and Germany share broad consensus and common interests, Wang said that China is willing to strengthen exchanges and communication with Germany to increase mutual understanding, prepare for the next round of China-Germany intergovernmental consultations, work together to address global challenges such as climate change and promote the healthy development of bilateral relations.

Baerbock said that it's important for China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and Germany, a major European country, to strengthen dialogue and communication. Germany and China share many common interests, she added. Germany is willing to strengthen interaction and exchanges with China, enhance mutual understanding, expand cooperation in economy, trade, tourism and culture, jointly maintain unimpeded world trade and push forward Germany-China relations, Baerbock said.

The two sides also exchanged views on current international and regional issues.