Xi added China-German relations “transcend the scope of bilateral relations” and have an “important impact” on the world, and the two countries should develop relations with a “long-term and strategic” perspective.
In China, Germany’s Olaf Scholz seeks ‘open and fair’ competition, cooperation
In China, Germany’s Olaf Scholz seeks ‘open and fair’ competition, cooperation
“There is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and Germany and they do not pose a security threat to each other … As long as both sides adhere to mutual respect, seek common ground while reserving differences, communicate and learn from each other, and achieve win-win cooperation, relations between the two countries will continue to develop steadily.”
It is Scholz’s second visit to the country in less than 18 months. It follows the launch of a European Union “de-risking” strategy to reduce the bloc’s economic dependence on China and anti-subsidy probes into products such as electric vehicles and solar panels amid claims they are flooding the market with cheap goods.
Scholz, who also visited Shanghai and Chongqing on his visit, was accompanied by a large business delegation including executives from Siemens, Bayer, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Merck Group.
In Shanghai, Scholz said he welcomed Chinese vehicles sales, but stressed the need for fair competition and warned against dumping and overcapacity.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, Scholz told Xi Germany opposed protectionism and is willing to strengthen relations and deepen cooperation “in various fields”. He added Germany was willing to play its part in promoting the development of China-EU relations.
12:53
‘Overtaking on a bend’: how China’s EV industry charged ahead to dominate the global market
‘Overtaking on a bend’: how China’s EV industry charged ahead to dominate the global market
He said Germany “does not endorse confrontation”, adding: “It is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change, and is committed to safeguarding the multilateral international order and promoting world peace and development.”
Scholz has been trying to strike a balance between the interests of German business and the EU’s tougher approach to China.
His last visit took place right after Xi secured his historic third term as party chief, prompting criticism from his fellow EU members about his apparent willingness to strike deals despite growing concerns about the direction China was taking.
He has also been promoting the visit on his newly opened TikTok account, which features videos of him touring German factories in China.
The social media platform, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, is under investigation by the EU and could face hefty fines if it is found to have breached online content rules aimed at protecting children and ensuring transparent advertising.
China and Switzerland in push for Russia to join Ukraine peace summit
China and Switzerland in push for Russia to join Ukraine peace summit
Facing low approval ratings and a dire economy at home, many believe Scholz is trying to boost economic links with China ahead of next year’s federal election.
But China’s strong ties with Russia continue to cast a long shadow over relations with Germany, despite Beijing’s insistence it is neutral in the Ukraine war.
These claims have been greeted with considerable scepticism within the EU, which has warned China not to supply arms to Russia and criticised it for providing economic support.
Scholz told Xi the “rearmament of Russia” threatens European security and said he wanted to discuss how they can work towards a “just peace”, Germany’s DW News reported.
China has said it will not give any material support to Russia’s war effort and “unilateral” sanctions, whose targets include Chinese companies.
CCTV reported that Xi told Scholz that China is committed to peace in Ukraine and is willing to discuss international peace talks “recognised by both sides”.
“China is not a party or participant in the Ukraine crisis, but it has been promoting peace talks in its own way … All parties should work together to restore peace at an early date,” he said.
02:38
Berlin stops Chinese companies from investing in German chip makers over security concerns
Berlin stops Chinese companies from investing in German chip makers over security concerns
Xi and Scholz also urged de-escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict and continued “deep exchanges on a range of topics” during a walk in the grounds of the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing, according to CCTV.
Scholz was later due to meet Premier Li Qiang.
