On December 2, 2024, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the seventh round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security with German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Beijing.
Wang Yi said that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership. It is necessary for the two sides to review the past and actively explore the future. The world today is going through profound changes unseen in a century, posing multiple challenges for human society. Factors of uncertainty, instability and unpredictability are on the rise. The more volatile the world becomes, the more important it is for major countries to stay focused and maintain stability in major-country relations. China is addressing all external uncertainties with its own certainty. China has maintained a stable and consistent policy toward Germany, and has always regarded Germany as an important cooperative partner since the establishment of diplomatic relations 52 years ago. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries and the joint efforts of their peoples, China-Germany relations have generally maintained a positive development momentum. This has not only brought significant benefits to both peoples but has also served as a stabilizing factor in China-Europe relations and the broader international landscape. There are differences between China and Germany, but differences should not become obstacles to cooperation or reasons for confrontation. The positive outcomes and valuable experiences of China-Germany relations to date should be cherished and carried forward by both sides.
Wang Yi said, in July this year, the Communist Party of China (CPC) successfully convened the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, sending a clear signal of its commitment to further deepening reform comprehensively and expanding high-standard opening-up. In recent months, the Chinese government has introduced new measures for reform and opening-up, which have been welcomed and recognized by the international community, including the German business sector. As a result, practical cooperation between China and Germany now faces even broader prospects. China and Germany, as the world’s second and third largest economies, should overcome obstacles, remove barriers, uphold the underlining tone of dialogue and cooperation, discard outdated Cold War and confrontation mentality, and work together to fend off external risks and address global challenges. The two sides should strive to be advocates of pragmatic cooperation, champions of openness and development, and role models for multilateralism, demonstrating their responsibilities as major countries in an increasingly turbulent international landscape.
Noting the broad areas of Germany-China cooperation, Annalena Baerbock said Germany attaches great importance to its relations with China and firmly abides by the one-China policy. In the face of a turbulent world, it is of great significance to maintain candid dialogue and strengthen strategic communication with China, which is conducive to maintaining the right direction of development of bilateral relations and contributing to world peace and stability. The German side appreciates China’s positive role in addressing climate change.
Wang Yi stressed that in order to maintain the steady development of China-Germany relations, it is necessary, first and foremost, to calibrate the strategic understanding. China is a force for peace, growth and stability in the world, with an open, transparent strategy and policy orientation. China is the only major country in the world that has pledged to “keep to a path of peaceful development” in its Constitution. The historical logic that a nation opts for pursuing hegemony when growing stronger does not apply to China. The systems of China and Germany and those of China and Europe differ, which stems from their respective historical and cultural traditions and is also the result of the choices made by their people. The two sides should adhere to mutual respect and understanding, and carry out mutually beneficial cooperation on this basis. China-Germany relationship does not target any third party, and should not be subject to influence by any third party.
Wang Yi pointed out that competition should be fair, not a zero-sum game. The EU’s imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles violates the principles of fair competition and free trade, and has become a prominent issue between China and the EU. He expressed the hope that Germany and Europe will view China’s development objectively and rationally, adopt an active and pragmatic policy towards China, and properly handle trade disputes through dialogue and consultation.
Annalena Baerbock said, the German side supports the continuation of negotiations between the EU and China on the issue of anti-subsidy measures for electric vehicles in order to find a mutually acceptable solution.
The two sides also had an exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis. Annalena Baerbock expressed the hope that China will play a positive role as a cooperative partner of Europe in this regard. Wang Yi elaborated on China’s position on promoting peace talks in a comprehensive and systematic manner.
