Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Talks with German Chancellor Scholz, "Looking Forward to the Development of Bilateral Relations"

(Photo by BBC)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Chinese Premier Li Keqiang urged German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to play a role in expanding bilateral cooperation and developing China-European Union (EU) relations.

According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 18th, Premier Li congratulated Chancellor Scholz once again on his inauguration during a phone call the previous day and emphasized, "China and Germany are major global economies and responsible countries that practice multilateralism and free trade."

He continued, "On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year, I hope to consolidate political trust, strengthen dialogue and exchanges, and promote stable and long-term development of China-Germany relations."

Premier Li also expressed hope that "the two countries will nurture advanced manufacturing, service trade, and the digital economy as new growth points for bilateral cooperation."

He referred to the more than 2,000 Chinese companies in Germany and over 7,000 German companies in China as the driving force of bilateral cooperation and stressed that the two governments should continue efforts to create a fair and non-discriminatory environment for these companies to invest.

He also did not forget to ask Germany to play a role in developing China-EU relations. This is interpreted as an effort to gain Germany's support for the ratification of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), which the European Parliament postponed in May last year.

Premier Li stated, "China and Europe are two important forces on the world stage with broad common interests," and emphasized, "As an important member of the EU, Germany is expected to have a positive influence on cooperation and the development of relations between China and Europe."

Chancellor Scholz responded, "Germany values its relationship with China and adheres to the 'One China' policy," adding, "On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, I hope for further progress in bilateral relations."

He also said that Germany is ready to cooperate with China to prepare new consultations between the two governments and deepen cooperation in economy and trade, climate change, and COVID-19 control, taking swift action.

Regarding the delay in CAI ratification, he added, "I hope the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment between the EU and China will come into effect soon."

As the German government led by Chancellor Scholz has indicated a tough stance on China, including criticism of human rights violations, China’s concerns are deepening.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.