Xi Jinping Speaks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the Phone

On the evening of December 21, 2021, President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Xi Jinping congratulated Scholz once again on his inauguration as German Chancellor.

Xi Jinping stressed that China attaches great importance to its relations with Germany. In recent years, China-Germany cooperation has always been a "bellwether" of cooperation between China and European countries, which is a right choice made by the two countries in line with the development trend of the times. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. Looking back on the past half century, China-Germany relations have demonstrated ample vitality, endurance, resilience and potential. Looking forward to the next 50 years, the two countries should embrace a global vision from a long-term perspective, forge ahead and strive for new development of China-Germany relations.

First, the two countries should chart the general course of bilateral relations from a strategic perspective. Both China and Germany are major countries with important influence. A sound development of bilateral relations not only serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but also contributes to world peace and stability. The two sides should unwaveringly view each other's development as an opportunity, maintain the fine tradition of high-level leadership, and set the direction for the development of China-Germany relations. The two sides should give play to the role of bilateral dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, and particularly make good use of the China-Germany intergovernmental consultation mechanism, so as to promote cooperation and development in various fields. The two sides should strengthen communication and coordination, and jointly plan the 50th anniversary celebration activities next year.

Second, the two countries should actively promote mutually beneficial cooperation in a practical manner. The economies of China and Germany have benefited a lot from each other's development. China has been Germany's largest trading partner for five consecutive years, and bilateral economic and trade cooperation has kept growing against the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic. The two sides should actively explore new areas of cooperation such as new energy and green and digital economy, and unleash the growth potential of trade in services. China welcomes German enterprises to leverage advantages and seize the new opportunities brought by China's opening-up. The Chinese side also hopes that Germany will provide a fair business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Germany. Germany is an important node of the China-Europe Railway Express. China believes that closer cooperation between China and Germany within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative will benefit Belt and Road countries and promote connectivity of the Eurasian continent.

Third, the two countries need to work together to meet challenges and make new contributions to global governance. Both China and Germany are defenders of multilateralism and contributors to global development. The two sides should increase coordination and cooperation in international affairs, and find practical solutions to problems concerning the shared future of mankind, such as fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting the fair distribution of vaccines, spurring post-pandemic economic recovery across the globe, especially in developing countries, tackling climate change, alleviating poverty, and achieving sustainable development. Both sides need to seek settlement of regional hotspot issues through dialogue, uphold and strengthen the principle of democracy in international relations, and firmly oppose all forms of hegemony and Cold War mentality. Only when countries develop together can there be true development. China is ready to work with Germany to promote the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Xi Jinping stressed that China and the EU are two major independent forces in the world with broad strategic consensus and common interests. The two sides should stay committed to the comprehensive strategic partnership and the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit, so as to ensure the consistent sound and steady development of China-EU relations. He hopes Germany will continue to play a positive role in stabilizing China-EU ties and inject stability and positive energy into the China-EU relationship.

Scholz said, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. President for sending a congratulatory message on my election as German Chancellor. I still have fresh memories of our exchanges and am ready to carry forward and advance Germany-China friendship and cooperation. At present, we have maintained sound development of Germany-China trade and investment relations, close cooperation in confronting such global challenges as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, and close communication on such regional affairs as the Afghan issue and the Iranian nuclear issue, which constitute the three pillars for the sustained development of Germany-China relations. Germany is willing to work with China in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual trust to push for further development of the Germany-China all-round strategic partnership. Germany stands ready to take celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and China next year as an opportunity to hold a successful new round of Germany-China intergovernmental consultations, strengthen practical cooperation in such areas as clean energy, digital economy and services, and promote EU-China relations in a constructive manner. Scholz hopes the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment will enter into force at an early date. The German side is ready to work with China to uphold multilateralism in international affairs.

The two leaders exchanged New Year greetings, and agreed to maintain regular communication and make joint efforts to advance China-Germany and China-EU relations to new levels.