Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for Beijing and Berlin to develop ties with a "strategic" and "long-term" perspective on Tuesday as he met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Rio de Janeiro, state media reported.
"China and Germany are both major countries with significant influence," Xi told Scholz on the sidelines of the G20 summit, according to Beijing's state news agency Xinhua.
"The two countries need to view and develop bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective," Xi emphasized.
Scholz last met Xi in April in Beijing, where he urged the Chinese president to use his influence over Russia to help end the war in Ukraine.
A German government source in Berlin told AFP last week that the two leaders would discuss the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, China-Germany relations, and conditions for fair global trade.
Chinese state media reported that Xi expressed a desire to "consolidate the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership." He added that Beijing was "willing to continue writing the story of mutual cooperation and to make our world a peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous family," according to Xinhua.
Last year, China was Germany's largest trading partner, and Germany, the largest economy in Europe, is expected to shrink for a second consecutive year.
German industry has faced challenges from elevated energy prices following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers.
These challenges have been particularly pronounced for Germany's automotive manufacturers, who have historically made significant profits in China but are now encountering local competition, especially in the growing electric vehicle market.
On Tuesday, Xi assured Scholz that China would "continue to provide broad market opportunities for German companies," according to state media.
"China regards Germany as an important partner in advancing Chinese modernization," he stated.
The importance of China to the German economy has led Scholz to pursue a balanced approach during his time in office.
The German leader has not echoed the harsh trade rhetoric emerging from Washington and some European capitals; instead, he aims to be a critical partner to Beijing.
This meeting could be Scholz's last with Xi, as Germany approaches new elections in February. Scholz's Social Democrats currently trail in the polls, significantly behind the conservative CDU-CSU bloc. If this trend continues through election day, it could result in Scholz's departure as chancellor.
(with AFP)
Comments