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China’s top diplomat Wang Yi told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Saturday that Beijing hopes to bring bilateral relations to a “new level,” as the two met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
Wang has sought to present China as a more reliable and stable partner for the European Union as the bloc moves to reduce its dependence on both China and an unpredictable United States.
He told Merz that China hopes to work with Germany to elevate their “all-round strategic partnership to a new level,” according to a readout from China’s foreign ministry.
With Berlin’s support, Wang said, Beijing also aims to “prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges.”
Deep economic ties between China and Germany have come under strain in recent years over issues ranging from accusations of unfair trade practices to concerns about protectionism.
Merz is reportedly preparing to make his first visit to China later this month, with the future of commercial relations expected to be a central issue during the trip.
Wang on Saturday said China supports Germany playing a greater role in maintaining its “strategic autonomy and self-reliance” and serving as a “driving force” for cooperation between China and Europe.
“China also expects Germany to become a … stabilizing anchor for strategic relations,” Wang told Merz, according to the readout.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Beijing in December, urging Chinese officials, including Wang, to use their influence to help bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
An earlier visit to China by Wadephul had been canceled at the last minute, with Germany saying meetings with key officials could not be arranged.
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