The more turbulent and intertwined the world becomes, the more China and Germany need to enhance strategic communication and increase strategic mutual trust, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.
Xi emphasized the importance of China-Germany relations during his meeting with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Beijing.
"Welcome to China, Chancellor Merz. The Chinese New Year is still celebrated until the Lantern Festival. Your visit to China during this period is like a visit from a close friend or relative. This also demonstrates the close and high-level relationship between China and Germany. The more turbulent and intertwined the world becomes, the more China and Germany need to enhance strategic communication and increase strategic mutual trust. We should leverage the stability and vitality of China-Germany relations to promote cooperation in China-EU relations and seek common ground for a turbulent world," Xi said.
The current international situation is undergoing the most profound transformation since the end of World War II, he said.
Xi put forward three suggestions for the further development of China-Germany relations, namely the two countries should be reliable partners that support each other, be innovative partners featuring openness and mutual benefit, and be cultural partners built on mutual understanding and friendship.
For his part, Merz extended New Year wishes and expressed his commitment to sustaining the positive momentum in bilateral relations.
"Mr. President, thank you very much for your kind words and for the invitation. I am also honored to be the first head of government you receive in the Year of the Horse. I would like to extend my best wishes for the New Year to you personally, to the government and to the Chinese people. China has been an experienced trading nation for thousands of years. Over the past decades, Germany and China have enjoyed good cooperation and maintained a sound bilateral relationship. I am willing to continue this positive momentum," Merz said.
Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for an official visit to China through Thursday.
Xi calls for enhanced strategic communication, mutual trust between China, Germany
Xi calls for enhanced strategic communication, mutual trust between China, Germany
Xi calls for enhanced strategic communication, mutual trust between China, Germany
