FM Wang Yi says China is willing to uphold free trade with Germany

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while in Munich on Saturday, said that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Germany to uphold free trade, practice multilateralism.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.  

Speaking of the frequent high-level interactions between China and Germany, Wang said the sound momentum of practical cooperation and positive results are in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples.

Noting unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise nowadays, Wang said the world is moving inexorably towards multi-polarity.

As strategic partners, China and Germany and the EU should strengthen solidarity, coordination and cooperation, uphold free trade, practice multilateralism and uphold the authority of the United Nations, the Chinese foreign minister said.

Hailing Germany is a major European country with global influence, Wang said China is glad to see Germany play an important role in a multipolar landscape, and stands ready to deepen all-round cooperation with Germany, push forward bilateral relations, safeguard global peace and stability, and provide more certainty to a volatile world.

Noting this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and EU, Wang said the two sides should strengthen complementarity, deepen practical cooperation and jointly open up the next 50 years of better development of bilateral relations.

The Chinese side appreciates the rational and pragmatic attitude of the German side on the issue of EU tariffs on electric vehicles to China, and hopes that the German side will continue to play a constructive role in properly resolving China-EU economic and trade frictions as soon as possible.

As for his part, Scholz said Germany attaches great importance to relations with China and is willing to strengthen exchanges, dialogue and communication with China at all levels and deepen bilateral and multilateral strategic cooperation.

The German side opposes protectionism and does not agree to a tariff war, said Scholz, adding that Germany hopes that EU and China can adopt a constructive attitude to properly resolve frictional issues such as electric vehicles as soon as possible and jointly safeguard the free trade system.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Besides elaborating on China's position, Wang said that China and the EU share the same goal and direction in promoting the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and it is necessary to explore the building of a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework, reach a lasting peace agreement and realize long-term peace and stability in Europe.

China is willing to maintain communication with Germany and other relevant parties and continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace talks, Wang said.

Earlier, Wang also met with Friedrich Merz, chairman of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union. The two agreed to push for more success in bilateral cooperation during their meeting.