Message from Munich: A New Foundation of Momentum and Stability for China–Germany Cooperation
Kathmandu — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on Germany to become a driving force for pragmatic cooperation in China–Europe relations and a stabilizing anchor for the strategic ties between the two sides. He made the remarks during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference**. Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, expressed this view during the talks.
During the meeting, Wang Yi conveyed warm greetings from the Chinese leadership to Chancellor Merz and noted that Merz’s speech at the opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference reflected Germany and Europe’s aspiration for strategic autonomy, self-reliance, and strengthened capacity. He made clear that China supports Germany in playing a greater role in this regard.
Stressing that all initiatives and actions taken by China on the international stage are aimed at upholding the international system centered on the United Nations, Wang Yi said that although the authority and status of the UN have been somewhat weakened, its role remains irreplaceable. He added that the “Global Governance Initiative” proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping is intended to revitalize the United Nations and build a more just and equitable global governance system.
Wang Yi emphasized that China and Germany, as major countries, should shoulder their responsibilities and make new contributions to world peace and development. Noting the broad common interests and strong complementary advantages between the two nations, he said that strengthening cooperation is a strategic choice based on the practical needs of both sides.
Expressing confidence that China’s high-level opening-up policy will create tremendous opportunities for German companies to invest and operate, Wang Yi also voiced hope that Germany would ensure a fair and equitable business environment for Chinese enterprises. He said China stands ready to prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges, strengthen pragmatic cooperation across various fields, explore trilateral cooperation, and elevate the China–Germany all-round strategic partnership to a new level.
For his part, Chancellor Merz asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings to the Chinese leadership. He noted that China’s development achievements are widely recognized globally and that the country plays a pivotal role in international affairs. Highlighting the close economic and trade ties between Germany and China, he said both countries are beneficiaries and supporters of economic globalization, calling for seizing opportunities, tapping potential, and deepening cooperation.
Merz reaffirmed that Germany consistently opposes protectionism, advocates free trade, and encourages German companies to expand investment and cooperation in China. He also reiterated Germany’s commitment to the one-China policy and expressed his desire to intensify high-level exchanges and broaden cooperation across various sectors to further advance Germany–China relations.
The meeting in Munich signaled a renewed push toward stability, cooperation, and shared development in China–Germany relations.
