Li Qiang Holds Talks With Steinmeier on Bilateral Cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beijing on October 30, reviewing the state of bilateral relations and future areas of collaboration. Steinmeier is in China on a state visit.

During the meeting, Li credited the steady progress of China-Germany cooperation to the coordinated efforts of both governments. He said this progress has translated into greater benefits for the peoples of the two countries. Li also warned that unilateralism and protectionism are spreading quickly, and he urged both sides to act with a stronger sense of accountability.

Li stressed that China and Germany should firmly defend free trade while widening openness and partnership. Such steps, he said, would help the all-round strategic partnership between the two countries continue to grow.

The premier outlined a range of potential areas for expansion, including automobiles, chemicals, artificial intelligence, digital development and green initiatives. He said China is ready to work with Germany to achieve higher-level, mutually beneficial results.

Li further said China wants to import more high-quality German goods and welcomes German firms seeking a larger presence in the Chinese market. He noted that China also supports Chinese enterprises that wish to invest in Germany. He added that China hopes Germany will provide Chinese companies with a fair, stable and foreseeable business climate.

For his part, Steinmeier commended China's economic and social development and its technological achievements. He said Germany and China have enjoyed a long period of good partnership, and that their economic and trade cooperation has been both successful and mutually advantageous. He concluded that cooperation between enterprises in the two countries is important not only for them but for the wider world.