China urges Germany to push the European Union to commit to free trade and abandon protectionism
Beijing, Sept 21 (KUNA) -- China on Monday called on Germany to “play a constructive role within the European Union,” urging it to uphold free trade, abandon protectionism, and adhere to the correct path of cooperation, dialogue, and consultation. Xinhua News Agency reported that this came during a phone call between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, in which the two exchanged views on bilateral relations and international issues of common concern.
Quoting Wang, the agency stated that Beijing and Brussels share a comprehensive strategic partnership, and therefore a trade war between them should not occur. He reiterated China’s consistent call for resolving mutual concerns through dialogue.
Wang emphasized that China and Germany had reached important consensus on resolving Sino-European economic and trade issues through consultation. The call followed the European Union’s threat last Friday to impose higher tariffs on Chinese hybrid vehicles if their supply to the European market is not capped at 15 percent.
On bilateral relations, Wang stressed the need to enhance strategic communication, increase mutual trust, and send positive signals that China and Germany jointly defend multilateralism and free trade against unilateralism and anti-globalization trends. He noted that mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries serves their shared interests and represents a correct common choice.
He highlighted that the one-China principle constitutes the political foundation of Sino-German relations, expressing hope that Berlin would adhere to it and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait through concrete steps, thereby creating conditions for high-level exchanges.
For his part, Wadephul said during the call that Germany supports China and the European Union in resolving differences through dialogue and will play a constructive role in that regard. He pointed out that Sino-German relations have maintained positive momentum in recent years, and expressed his aspiration to hold a new round of consultations between the two governments to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level.
The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Iran and the Ukraine crisis. Wang reaffirmed that China acts only in the interest of peace and remains committed to enhancing peace talks and de-escalating tensions. (End) S L Q / M M J
