China, Germany pledge stronger economic cooperation, support China-EU Trade Dialogue

BERLIN: China and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic and trade cooperation while supporting dialogue between China and the European Union to address commercial differences and maintain stability in bilateral relations.

According to China's Ministry of Commerce, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy International Trade Representative Ling Ji held separate meetings in Berlin with Thomas Steffen and Levin Holle to discuss China-Germany and China-EU economic and trade relations.

During the meetings, Ling Ji said the understanding reached by the leaders of the two countries earlier this year had provided strategic direction for the future development of bilateral ties. He emphasized China’s readiness to work closely with Germany to implement the consensus reached by the two sides and further expand practical cooperation.

The Chinese official highlighted the importance of fully utilizing existing bilateral mechanisms, including the China-Germany Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation and Trade, to promote cooperation in innovation, green development, industrial collaboration and supply chain resilience.

Ling said China seeks to build a partnership based on mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit, while encouraging broader cooperation in emerging sectors and sustainable development.

Addressing China-EU economic relations, he stressed the need to maintain stability in trade and investment ties amid growing global economic challenges. He reiterated China’s position that trade wars benefit no one and called for differences to be resolved through dialogue and consultation.

Ling expressed hope that ongoing China-EU trade and investment consultations would produce tangible outcomes and urged Germany to play a constructive role within the European Union in promoting stable and predictable economic relations with China.

German officials, for their part, reiterated Berlin’s opposition to trade wars and voiced support for dialogue between China and the EU to address mutual concerns and prevent the escalation of trade disputes.

The German side noted that both Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Economy Minister Katherina Reiche had led major business delegations to China this year, reflecting the strong commitment of both the German government and business community to expanding cooperation with China.

German officials also emphasized their intention to strike a balance between market openness and economic security while strengthening communication with China on economic and trade policies.

They reaffirmed Germany’s willingness to build a long-term, stable and sustainable economic partnership with China and pledged to continue providing a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies operating and investing in Germany.

The meetings come at a time when China and the European Union are seeking to manage trade differences while preserving economic cooperation amid increasing global economic uncertainty and evolving geopolitical challenges.