Wang Yi calls for enhancing communication, cooperation to provide impetus for China-Germany ties

China is ready to work with Germany to maintain close high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, align their development strategies, and promote practical cooperation, so as to provide impetus for the development of China-Germany relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with visiting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing.

Stressing that the two countries should aim for enhancing trust rather than widening disputes, Wang said China-Germany cooperation benefits both nations and is conducive to jointly tackling global challenges.

He expressed hope that Germany will view China more objectively and rationally, and see China's development as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and a driving force for mutual benefit, thereby promoting the stable and healthy growth of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that Germany is a major force in European integration and an important partner of China, Wang said it is hoped that Germany will promote the European Union (EU) to return to a rational and pragmatic policy toward China, stick to the right course of mutually beneficial cooperation, and settle differences through dialogue.

He also called for avoiding the politicization of economic issues, the instrumentalization of trade issues, and the pan-securitization of normal cooperation.

As supporters, advocates and practitioners of multilateralism, China and Germany should strengthen solidarity and cooperation to advance the development of a fairer, more equitable global governance system, he added.

The Chinese foreign minister also elaborated on China's principled stance on the Taiwan question from historical, factual and legal perspectives, and highlighted the severe damage caused by the erroneous remarks made by the current Japanese leader regarding the Taiwan region.

He also pointed out that, unlike Germany, Japan has not yet thoroughly reflected on its history of aggression in the eight decades since World War Two ended.

Wang emphasized that the one-China principle serves as an important political foundation for China-Germany relations, and there is no room for ambiguity. He expressed hope that Germany will understand and support China's position and firmly oppose any "Taiwan independence" rhetoric or actions.

Wadephul said Germany and China should shoulder responsibilities, enhance communication and cooperation, and become trustworthy and predictable partners.

He said Germany remains firmly committed to the one-China policy, and this position is unwavering.

Germany supports the EU and China in seeking mutually beneficial outcomes through dialogue and is willing to play a constructive role in this regard, he said, adding that Germany looks forward to enhancing coordination with China on international affairs.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Wadephul outlined Germany's position, expressing hope that China would use its influence to push for an early end to the crisis.

Reiterating China's consistent stance, Wang said all parties should value the current momentum for a political solution to the crisis, meet each other halfway, and ultimately achieve a fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement through dialogue and negotiation.

China supports all efforts conducive to peace and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard, he added.