Xi urges closer German ties in Beijing talks with Steinmeier
Chinese President Xi Jinping met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beijing and called for a pragmatic policy toward China. The talks took place amid European concern over trade imbalances and Chinese industrial expansion. China’s account described proposals for cooperation in technology and environmental protection, while Steinmeier urged dialogue and support for international trade rules.
Geopolitics··Morning
State visit in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 30 during the German leader’s state visit. Xi urged Germany to pursue a rational, pragmatic and friendly policy toward China and called for closer communication. He presented the relationship as a strategic partnership based on equality, mutual benefit and stability. The meeting came amid growing trade tensions between China and the European Union, including German concerns about Chinese industrial expansion. Before the talks, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a welcoming ceremony for Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender. A state banquet followed in the evening.[1], [2]
Xi proposes economic cooperation
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Xi Jinping invited German companies to expand in China and asked Germany to provide a fair, transparent and nondiscriminatory environment for Chinese businesses. He identified artificial intelligence, low-carbon development, services trade and the digital economy as areas for cooperation. Xi also sought cultural, educational and artistic exchanges, as well as easier travel between the countries. He linked those exchanges to the approaching fifty-fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations in the following year.[1]
The Chinese account attributes to Steinmeier support for Germany’s one-China policy and for cooperation in trade, science, technology and environmental protection. It says he called for differences to be handled through dialogue and consultation. The readout also attributes to him support for the United Nations Charter, international law, free trade and World Trade Organization rules. These descriptions of the German president’s positions come from Beijing’s official statement of the talks.[1]
European trade concerns frame the visit
Reuters reported that Steinmeier had warned the previous day that China’s drive for greater economic self-sufficiency should not come at other markets’ expense. Brussels has threatened measures to address its widening trade deficit with China, while Germany and France have proposed a faster EU response to countries that harm its interests. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has meanwhile been visiting Asian partners to deepen trade and security ties. Analysts interviewed by Reuters said European industry itself is increasingly pressing for a tougher policy toward China.[2]
