Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Monday he hoped Germany would use its influence within the European Union to improve ties between China and the bloc, during a meeting with German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil.
He mentioned that China welcomes German companies to invest in China and believes that trade disputes can be resolved through dialogue and consultation, Reuters reported.
Lars Klingbeil arrived in Beijing for the fourth China-Germany High-Level Financial Dialogue, scheduled for November 17, as the two countries agreed. His visit happens as Germany rethinks its trade policy with China. The country is speeding up its “de-risking” strategy after Beijing’s recent restrictions on rare earths and semiconductors unsettled German industry.
What trade concerns dominate the China–Germany financial dialogue?
German officials highlighted that Klingbeil would address major trade topics, including China’s restrictions on rare earths. China and Germany are both critically important actors within Europe.
A source from the finance ministry mentioned that the positions had been coordinated beforehand with EU officials overseeing Germany’s trade policy as part of the bloc.
How will Berlin address China’s restrictions on rare earths?
On Sunday ahead of his trip to the country, German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said that Dialogue with China is key to finding solutions for pressing problems like supply chain uncertainty and Chinese overcapacity.
“Access to critical raw materials and the reduction of Chinese overcapacity in sectors such as steel and electric mobility are of great importance for the economy and jobs in Germany,”
Klingbeil said in Berlin before departing for Beijing.
“We do not shy away from competition, but it must be fair,”
he also said.
How is Russia’s war in Ukraine shaping the discussions?
Klingbeil also mentioned that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine will be discussed, highlighting its significant impact on the economy and stability not just in Europe but globally.
“China plays a decisive role when it comes to ending this war,”
Klingbeil said.
How are previous Xi–Scholz talks influencing current diplomacy?
The last meeting between the countries’ top officials took place when German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, at the G20 summit in 2024, DW reported.
The two leaders talked about the relationship between their major economies and addressed issues like the war in Ukraine, where their countries support opposing sides.
“It is important that we ensure a level playing field for the economic activities of companies on all sides; this is central to the conditions for future work,”
the German chancellor told Xi.
The Chinese president reportedly called for the development of long-term ties between Berlin and Beijing, according to the Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
“China and Germany are both major countries with significant influence,”
Xi told Scholz.
