On the 8th, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, held talks in Beijing with German Foreign Minister Baerbock.
Wang Yi noted that Baerbock is the first German Foreign Minister to visit China since the formation of the new German government. Although this visit encountered various twists and turns, as a Chinese saying goes, good things do not come easily. Whether you come early or late is not the issue; what matters is the purpose of the visit—it should be for cooperation, not for quarrelling; for enhancing understanding and trust, not for expanding differences.
Wang Yi pointed out that as the world faces intertwined changes and increasing turbulence, China-Germany cooperation contributes to the development of both countries and helps jointly respond to global challenges. China and Germany should shoulder their responsibilities as major countries, uphold mutual respect, overcome differences in social systems and historical cultures, and build a more mature, positive mode of interaction and a more stable framework for bilateral policies. He expressed hope that Germany would adopt a more objective and rational view of China, stick to the positioning of the China-Germany partnership, regard China’s development as an opportunity to deepen cooperation, as a driving force for mutual benefit and win-win results, and jointly promote the stable and healthy development of the China-Germany all-dimensional strategic partnership.
Wang Yi elaborated on China’s principled position on the Taiwan question in depth from historical, factual, and legal perspectives, pointing out the grave harm caused by erroneous remarks regarding Taiwan by incumbent Japanese leaders. He highlighted the difference from Germany, noting that Japan has still not thoroughly reflected on its history of aggression even 80 years after World War II. The one-China principle is an important political foundation for China-Germany relations and brooks no ambiguity. He expressed hope that Germany would understand and support China’s legitimate stance, and firmly oppose and resist any words or deeds advocating “Taiwan independence.”
Baerbock stated that Germany also has a positive view; facing a world full of uncertainties, China and Germany must shoulder special responsibilities, strengthen communication and coordination, and become mutually trustworthy and predictable partners for cooperation. The German side firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and this position will not change. Germany looks forward to holding a new round of China-Germany governmental consultations next year, is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, and other fields, and bring benefits to the peoples of both countries.
Wang Yi pointed out that as the world faces intertwined changes and increasing turbulence, China-Germany cooperation contributes to the development of both countries and helps jointly respond to global challenges. China and Germany should shoulder their responsibilities as major countries, uphold mutual respect, overcome differences in social systems and historical cultures, and build a more mature, positive mode of interaction and a more stable framework for bilateral policies. He expressed hope that Germany would adopt a more objective and rational view of China, stick to the positioning of the China-Germany partnership, regard China’s development as an opportunity to deepen cooperation, as a driving force for mutual benefit and win-win results, and jointly promote the stable and healthy development of the China-Germany all-dimensional strategic partnership.
Wang Yi elaborated on China’s principled position on the Taiwan question in depth from historical, factual, and legal perspectives, pointing out the grave harm caused by erroneous remarks regarding Taiwan by incumbent Japanese leaders. He highlighted the difference from Germany, noting that Japan has still not thoroughly reflected on its history of aggression even 80 years after World War II. The one-China principle is an important political foundation for China-Germany relations and brooks no ambiguity. He expressed hope that Germany would understand and support China’s legitimate stance, and firmly oppose and resist any words or deeds advocating “Taiwan independence.”
Baerbock stated that Germany also has a positive view; facing a world full of uncertainties, China and Germany must shoulder special responsibilities, strengthen communication and coordination, and become mutually trustworthy and predictable partners for cooperation. The German side firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and this position will not change. Germany looks forward to holding a new round of China-Germany governmental consultations next year, is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, and other fields, and bring benefits to the peoples of both countries.