China, Germany hold 8th round of strategic dialogue on diplomacy, security

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul held the eighth round of the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security in Berlin on Thursday.

As the world's second and third-largest economies, China and Germany shoulder important international responsibilities and should work together to reaffirm mutual trust, consolidate bilateral cooperation and deepen bilateral relations, said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

In the face of rising protectionism, anti-globalization and unilateral bullying, the two countries should strengthen strategic communication and collaboration to inject more certainty into the world through the stability of China-Germany ties, he noted.

Wang also called for advocating and practicing true multilateralism, safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core, maintaining an international order underpinned by international law, and upholding the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Stressing the significance of upholding mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences and achieving win-win cooperation, Wang urged both sides to enhance mutual trust and handle differences in a calm and rational manner.

The Chinese foreign minister called on Germany to adhere to the one-China principle, appreciating the new German government's positive and rational attitude in developing relations with China.

Germany has made positive efforts to promote China-EU relations, he said, expressing hope that Germany will continue to play a constructive role in developing China-EU relations.

Wadephul said it is of great significance for Germany and China to maintain close communication and cooperation amid current global challenges. 

Noting that the two countries can properly handle differences with mutual respect and a constructive attitude, Wadephul said Germany looks forward to maintaining close exchanges with China and continuing to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The German government firmly adheres to the one-China policy, he added.

Both sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on issues such as the Ukraine crisis, the Iranian nuclear issue, the situation in the Middle East and multilateral strategic cooperation, agreeing to continue close communication and coordination to contribute to promoting a ceasefire and peacefully resolving disputes.