Xi Jinping holds talks with German Chancellor Scholz: "No deviation in relations if mutual cooperation is maintained"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who visited China on the 4th, according to the Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency.

During the meeting with Chancellor Scholz at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Xi emphasized, "As long as we adhere to the principles of exchange, mutual learning, and win-win cooperation, the direction of bilateral relations will not deviate," adding, "In the complex and ever-changing international situation, China and Germany, as influential major powers, must cooperate during times of change and turmoil to contribute more to world peace and development."

He continued, "This is the first visit by a European leader to China since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China," and explained, "I believe this will enhance mutual understanding and trust, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and lay out a good plan for the next stage of China-Germany relations development."

As President Xi noted, Chancellor Scholz's visit is the first by a European regional leader to China since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.

According to German local media, Chancellor Scholz visited China accompanied by entrepreneurs including Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen; Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens; Bel?n Garijo, CEO of Merck; Christian Sewing, CEO of Deutsche Bank; and Martin Bruderm?ller, Chairman of the Board of BASF.

The day before, Chancellor Scholz attracted attention by stating in an op-ed published in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), "We do not want to decouple from China," and "The changed China remains an important economic and trade partner for Germany and Europe." This statement was quickly reported within China as well, sparking widespread discussion.

Chancellor Scholz emphasized, "Germany, which painfully experienced division during the Cold War, especially does not want the formation of a new China-centered bloc," adding, "China today is not the China of five or ten years ago. As China changes, our response to China must also change." He continued, "We will continue to demand reciprocity from China," and warned, "There will be consequences for parts where China does not allow reciprocity."

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