Xi Jinping: China and Germany should develop relations from a long-term and strategic perspective

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China and Germany should develop their bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective. He made the remarks during a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the 19th G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Xi said that during Scholz's visit to China in April, there were open and in-depth discussions that produced concrete results in cooperation in areas such as green development, sustainable transport and agricultural development in Africa. Relations between the two countries continue to grow and gain new strength and vitality.

As the world's second and third largest economies, China and Germany are countries with significant influence. Xi stressed the need to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership. China is willing to cooperate with Germany on the basis of mutual respect for core interests and key issues, seeking common ground and promoting mutual learning through exchanges.

The two countries should focus on digitalisation, smart technologies and the development of a low-carbon economy to strengthen their cooperation. They should also jointly explore third country markets and achieve mutually beneficial cooperation. China regards Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world and wants to work with Europe to tackle global challenges and promote the stable and healthy development of China-Europe relations.

On the EU's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric cars, Xi said China remains committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation and hopes Germany will play a key role in the process.

Scholz confirmed the positive development of bilateral relations since his last visit to China and stressed that strengthening communication and cooperation between Germany and China is crucial in the current complex international environment. He hopes that the issue of electric vehicles will be resolved as soon as possible through dialogue and negotiation, and Germany is ready to take a proactive approach to achieve this goal.

CMG