Premier Li Qiang urges Germany to be ‘rational and pragmatic’ on China policy

Name: China and Germany strive to reset trade ties in Beijing
Uploaded: 2025-11-24T06:04:56.000Z
Description: China and Germany strive to reset trade ties in Beijing

Meeting between Li and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on G20 sidelines marks a step towards mending ties

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meet on the margins of the G20 summit, in Johannesburg on Sunday. Photo: dpa

Fan Chen

Published: 2:04pm, 24 Nov 2025Updated: 4:46pm, 24 Nov 2025

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged Germany to stand by a rational and pragmatic China policy and focus on common interests as he met on Sunday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

“We hope the German side will adhere to a rational and pragmatic China policy, rule out interference and pressure, focus on shared interests and consolidate the foundation for cooperation,” Li told Merz on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The meeting with the chancellor, who is expected to pay a state visit next year, marks another step towards mending bilateral ties, which were strained last month when German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul postponed a planned visit to China because he could not secure enough meetings.

China and Germany strive to reset trade ties in Beijing

Last week, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil became the first top German official to visit China since Berlin’s new coalition government took office earlier this year. The two sides held a financial dialogue in Beijing, where they vowed to strengthen economic cooperation and expand bilateral market opening.

The subject of markets resurfaced during the talks in Johannesburg. Specifically, Li said China was ready to work with Germany in emerging fields, including new energy, biomedicine, hydrogen energy technology and intelligent driving.

In addition, Li said Beijing hoped Berlin would encourage the European Union to view China-EU relations with “a broader perspective, a longer-term vision and a more open mind”, and adhere to “the partnership positioning with China”.

Merz said Germany was committed to maintaining an open approach and deepening bilateral political and economic ties, and that it believed China’s 15th five-year plan would present opportunities for both Germany and Europe, according to the Chinese foreign ministry’s account.

Also on Sunday, the chancellor told Deutsche Welle (DW) that he was preparing to pay a state visit to China next year, and that the Ukraine war might figure in the discussions.

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