China, Germany pledge to safeguard free trade, multilateral trading system

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Monday met with visiting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing. The two sides pledged to support free trade and safeguard the multilateral trading system.

Wang called on the two countries to support free trade, safeguard the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and work together to offset the uncertainty in the external environment.

Wang said China welcomes German enterprises to seize the new opportunities brought about by China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), consolidate cooperation with Chinese partners in traditional areas, and expand cooperation in emerging areas to yield more results.

He expressed hope that the German government will create a fair, open, and non-discriminatory policy environment for Chinese enterprises in Germany.

China attaches importance to Germany's concerns regarding export controls and Nexperia, Wang said, adding that China is gradually implementing a general licensing system in areas such as rare earths and has granted export license exemptions for Nexperia chips to maintain the stability and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains.

Wang said the most important thing at present is for the Dutch government to stop its inappropriate administrative interventions, stabilize the semiconductor supply chains as soon as possible, and prevent risks to the global automotive and consumer goods industries.

Wadephul said the German government is willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with China, deepen pragmatic cooperation, properly handle differences, and jointly safeguard free trade and the rules-based multilateral trading system.

Noting that the German government and industries appreciate China's efforts to promote the adoption of a universal licensing system for rare earths, he said Germany will play a role in the Nexperia issue and work with the Chinese side to find a long-term and effective solution at an early date.