Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Beijing on Wednesday, with both leaders agreeing to promote the continuous development of the all-around strategic partnership, enhance dialogue and cooperation, and uphold multilateralism and free trade.
This is Merz’s first visit to China since taking office. China and Germany are the world’s second and third largest economies, and their bilateral relationship not only affects both countries but also has significant implications for Europe and the global economy.
Xi said the international landscape is undergoing the most profound transformations since the end of World War II, adding that the greater the global changes and turbulence, the more important it is for China and Germany to strengthen strategic communication, mutual trust, and advance their all-around strategic partnership.
Xi emphasized that both countries should be reliable partners that support each other. He noted that China and Germany have pursued self-reliance, achieved rapid development, upheld mutual respect and open cooperation, and together built a success story of mutual benefit.
“China adheres to the path of peaceful development and has the capacity and confidence to achieve Chinese modernization. We will continue to share development opportunities with Germany and the wider world,” Xi said.
He expressed hope that Germany views China’s growth objectively and rationally, pursues a positive and pragmatic policy, and works with China for steady and sustained development of bilateral relations.
Merz affirmed that Germany values its relationship with China, upholds the one-China policy, and is committed to mutual respect, open cooperation, and deepening the strategic partnership.
Cui Hongjian, professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said the meeting is expected to contribute to stable and sustainable China-Germany relations, which will carry significant weight in the broader China-Europe relationship.
Xi highlighted that both nations should be innovative partners promoting openness and win-win outcomes. He noted that Germany’s strategies in technology, innovation, and digital development align with China’s goals for intelligent, green, and integrated growth under its 15th Five-Year Plan.
He called for greater synergy in development strategies, support for the two-way flow of talent, knowledge, and technology, and enhanced dialogue and cooperation on AI and other advanced technologies. Xi stressed that both sides must balance competition and cooperation, pursue pathways leading to mutual benefit, and maintain stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chains.
Merz added that the German business community values the Chinese market and hopes to deepen cooperation for shared growth.
On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Merz attended a symposium of the China-Germany economic advisory committee, with both sides expressing interest in cooperation in machinery, equipment, and chemical industries.
Jin Ling, an expert at the China Institute of International Studies, said practical cooperation between China and Germany can unlock China’s market potential, boost innovation, and support Germany’s economic recovery and transformation.
Xi stressed that China and Germany should uphold the UN’s central role, reaffirm its leadership, safeguard multilateralism, defend free trade, and promote global solidarity.
“China supports Europe in increasing autonomy and strength. We hope the European side will work with China as strategic partners, uphold openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, to foster growth in China-Europe relations and contribute to world peace and development,” Xi said.
Merz noted that Germany and China share responsibilities in addressing global challenges, expressed support for free trade, rejection of protectionism, and a commitment to deepen EU-China dialogue and cooperation.
Feng Zhongping, director of the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China and Germany share consensus on the UN’s central role, and their coordinated international efforts are expected to bring stability and certainty amid global turbulence.
