China, Germany should advocate multilateralism, uphold free trade, says FM

China and Germany should jointly serve as advocates of multilateralism, defenders of free trade and contributors to open development, to foster a more just and equitable international order, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Berlin Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

Wang spoke highly of the eighth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security held Thursday, saying it's comprehensive, pragmatic, candid and constructive.

The talks helped enhance mutual understanding and broaden common ground between the two sides, he said.

Both sides agreed to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership along the right path of mutual respect, seek common ground while reserving differences, and achieve win-win cooperation, Wang said.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War as well as the founding of the United Nations, Wang said unilateralism, protectionism, and acts of power politics and bullying are posing serious challenges to the international community.

Under such circumstances, Wang said, major countries must shoulder responsibilities, embrace the global trend toward multipolarization and economic globalization, and stand firmly on the right side of history.

As the world's second- and third-largest economies, China and Germany should strengthen exchanges, deepen cooperation and jointly do the following three things, he said.

First, consolidating the foundation of bilateral relations.

During a phone conversation in late May, Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz provided strategic guidance for the development of bilateral ties and set the direction for future efforts, Wang said. The two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders and make good preparations for the next phase of high-level engagements, he added.

Wang said that China welcomes Merz to visit China within this year and reach a consensus on holding the eighth round of China-Germany inter-governmental consultation at an early date.

Wang also said that China appreciates the German government's reaffirmation of its commitment to the one-China policy. He expressed confidence that Germany will support China's efforts toward full reunification, just as China had unconditionally supported Germany's reunification. Achieving peace across the Taiwan Strait, he said, requires a firm stand against any move toward "Taiwan independence."

Second, upgrading the quality of bilateral cooperation.

China and Germany are each other's largest trading partner in their respective regions, with bilateral trade exceeding 200 billion U.S. dollars for nine consecutive years, Wang said.

Trade with China supports 1 million jobs in Germany, and the Chinese market has attracted more than 5,000 German enterprises to invest and operate in China, he added.

Strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation is a "must-have option" for both countries, serving as a "ballast" of the bilateral relationship, and is also in line with the new German government's policy focus on economic development, said Wang.

The two sides also had in-depth discussions on their respective economic and trade concerns, and agreed to build a more stable, predictable and trustworthy policy framework for practical cooperation, Wang said.

China's accelerated modernization will provide new development opportunities for German and European enterprises, he said, adding that China and Germany have broad prospects in cutting-edge fields such as green transition, artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

Only by tightening the bonds of common interests and pursuing a shared future can the two sides effectively resist external risks and challenges, Wang said.

Third, practicing multilateralism.

History has repeatedly proven that open exchanges have always been the right direction for human development and progress, Wang said. In the 21st century, we should not erect new barriers through tariffs, nor fuel division through ideological confrontation, he warned.

Wang expressed the belief that multipolarization and globalization are like the Yangtze and the Rhine rivers, flowing forward relentlessly.

Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations, Wang said China looks forward to holding various important events, including the China-EU summit.

It is hoped that Germany will play an active role in the EU, promote coordination and cooperation between China and the EU, and work together with China to make new contributions to global governance, he said.

The more complex the international situation is, the more major countries need to strengthen coordination, Wang said. He added that the more prominent the risks and challenges are, the more countries need to enhance cooperation.

Under the current circumstances, China is ready to work with Germany to uphold the correct view of history, remain true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic ties, strengthen strategic communication, seek common ground while preserving differences, and deepen practical cooperation, he said.