Germanys Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (L) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz give a press conference at a hotel in Sandton on Nov. 23, 2025 on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit. (AFP Photo)
November 24, 2025 01:22 AM GMT+03:00
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit in South Africa on Sunday, with Beijing calling for strengthened dialogue between the two major economies amid recent diplomatic friction.
Li urged both nations to “properly handle their respective concerns” and expand cooperation across multiple sectors, according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency. The meeting comes weeks after German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul postponed a planned trip to China when Beijing failed to confirm meetings beyond a scheduled session with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
“China is willing to enhance strategic communication with Germany, adhere to respecting each other’s core interests and major concerns, and cement the political foundation for the development of bilateral relations,” Li said.
China’s Premier Li Qiang arrives for the second day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Nov. 23, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Economic ties take center stage
The Chinese premier emphasized the importance of bilateral economic relations, noting that China and Germany remain significant trading partners. He expressed hope for expanded cooperation in emerging industries including new energy, intelligent manufacturing, biomedicine, hydrogen energy technology, and autonomous driving systems.
Germany’s trade relationship with China is substantial. In 2024, China ranked as Germany’s second-largest trading partner for goods, with bilateral trade volume reaching nearly €246 billion ($283 billion). The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 1972.
Beijing seeks broader EU engagement
With 2025 marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, Li called on Germany to encourage Brussels to take a longer view of the relationship. He expressed hope that Berlin would help the EU approach China-EU ties “with a broader vision and a more open mindset.”
Li also signaled China’s readiness to coordinate with Germany within international institutions such as the United Nations and the G20, pledging to “safeguard multilateralism and free trade” and serve as “a constructive and certain force for promoting peace and development.”
Merz affirms cooperation commitment
Chancellor Merz, for his part, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to deepening political, economic, and trade relations with China, according to Xinhua. The German leader stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation bonds and increasing bilateral dialogue and exchanges.
The summit meeting provided an opportunity for the two leaders to engage directly following the recent diplomatic scheduling dispute, though neither side publicly addressed the postponed ministerial visit.
November 24, 2025 01:24 AM GMT+03:00