Chinese Premier Li Qiang has embarked on a multi-day visit to Berlin, where he will participate in the seventh German-Chinese government consultation. This visit marks Li Qiang’s first overseas trip since assuming office as Chinese Premier in March of this year.
On Monday morning, Li Qiang was welcomed by German President Steinmeier at the Belvedere Palace. During their meeting, Steinmeier urged China to utilize its global political influence to bring about a just peace in the ongoing Russo-Ukraine war. The discussions also touched upon Sino-US relations, with Steinmeier emphasizing the significance of the bilateral relationship between China and the United States for global security and cooperation. He called for strengthened communication channels between the two countries.
Later in the evening, Li Qiang met with German Chancellor Scholz at the Chancellery. The start of the German-Chinese government consultation was celebrated with a dinner attended by members of both delegations.
On Tuesday, Chancellor Scholz accompanied Li Qiang to review the guard of honor of the German Bundesliga, officially commencing the bilateral government consultation under the theme of “joint sustainable action.” Li Qiang is widely regarded as one of the important allies of Chinese party and state leader Xi Jinping.
This visit holds significance as it is Li Qiang’s first visit to a foreign country since assuming office. China has been Germany’s most important trading partner in the past year. However, tensions in Sino-US relations and the situation in the Taiwan Strait have posed potential risks to Sino-German relations.
Last Wednesday, the German government launched a national security strategy that accuses China of exerting “increasing pressure” on regional stability and world security, as well as criticizing the Chinese government’s disregard for human rights. While the G7 countries reached a consensus on reducing dependence on China in May, they are not seeking complete decoupling from the world’s second-largest economy.
Siegfried Russwurm, president of the Confederation of German Industries, stated that the idea of decoupling from China is unrealistic and dangerous. He emphasized the importance of “de-risking”
How did German President Steinmeier urge China to contribute to a just peace in the Russo-Ukraine war during his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Berlin?
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has recently embarked on an important visit to Berlin, Germany. This visit holds significance as it marks Li Qiang’s first overseas trip since assuming office as Chinese Premier in March of this year.
On Monday morning, Li Qiang was welcomed by German President Steinmeier at the Belvedere Palace. During their meeting, President Steinmeier urged China to use its global political influence to contribute to a just peace in the ongoing Russo-Ukraine war. They also discussed Sino-US relations, with President Steinmeier emphasizing the importance of the bilateral relationship between China and the United States for global security and cooperation. He called for improved communication channels between the two countries.
Later in the evening, Li Qiang had a meeting with German Chancellor Scholz at the Chancellery. The visit coincided with the start of the seventh German-Chinese government consultation, and a dinner was organized for members of both delegations to celebrate the occasion.
On Tuesday, Chancellor Scholz accompanied Li Qiang to review the guard of honor of the German Bundesliga, officially commencing the bilateral government consultation under the theme of “joint sustainable action.” Li Qiang is considered an important ally of Chinese party and state leader Xi Jinping.
It is worth noting that this visit is particularly significant because it is Li Qiang’s first official visit to a foreign country since assuming office. China has been Germany’s most important trading partner in the past year. However, there are potential risks to Sino-German relations due to tensions in Sino-US relations and the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
Recently, the German government released a national security strategy that accuses China of exerting “increasing pressure” on regional stability and global security. The strategy also criticizes the Chinese government’s approach to human rights. While G7 countries reached a consensus in May to reduce dependence on China, complete decoupling from the Chinese economy is not being sought.
Siegfried Russwurm, president of the Confederation of German Industries, has expressed that the idea of decoupling from China is unrealistic and dangerous. He emphasizes the importance of “de-risking” instead.
The meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and German officials has the potential to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance both countries’ global influence.