Welcoming Steinmeier to Beijing, Xi said China was ready to work with Germany to open a new chapter in their all-round strategic partnership and contribute towards building a more just and equitable system of global governance.
Describing China and Germany as the world’s second and third-largest economies, Xi said both countries had important responsibilities in promoting stable global economic growth and strengthening relations between China and the European Union.
He called for closer communication and coordination, urging the two sides to develop a relationship based on equality, mutual benefit and strategic stability.
Xi also stressed the importance of choosing openness over isolation and cooperation over confrontation, saying stronger China-Germany engagement could send a positive message to the international community.
The Chinese president reaffirmed that Beijing’s policy towards Germany remained consistent, stable and predictable. He said China welcomed Germany taking on a greater role in European and international affairs and continued to recognise its position as a major global economy.
Xi expressed hope that Berlin would maintain a constructive approach towards China’s development, based on mutual respect, equal treatment and practical cooperation.
Trade and technology at the centre of discussions
Economic relations emerged as a key area of the meeting, with Xi highlighting the complementary strengths of the two countries.
He described Germany as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and high-quality products, while noting that China was advancing its modernisation through high-quality development. Their different but complementary economic strengths, he said, offered substantial opportunities for cooperation.
Xi encouraged German companies to increase their investments in China and take advantage of the country’s large consumer market. He also urged Germany to ensure a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the country.
Artificial intelligence, green and low-carbon development, trade in services and the digital economy were identified as important sectors for future collaboration.
Xi said cooperation in these areas could strengthen the competitiveness of both economies and create new opportunities for businesses.
Xi urges stronger China-EU engagement
The discussions also extended to China’s broader relationship with the European Union.
Xi reiterated that China regarded the EU as a partner and remained committed to developing relations through sincerity and goodwill.
He argued that cooperation between China and Europe was more important than competition and that shared interests outweighed their differences.
According to Xi, disagreements could be resolved through equal dialogue and constructive engagement, provided both sides remained committed to their partnership.
He called on the European Union to work with China towards building an equal and orderly multipolar world and promoting inclusive economic globalisation that benefits all countries.
Xi also briefed Steinmeier on the fifth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee, expressing Beijing’s willingness to exchange governance experiences with major political parties around the world, including those in Germany.
Steinmeier highlights China’s global influence
Steinmeier, who is visiting China on a state visit, praised the country’s economic and technological transformation, recalling that he had travelled to China eight times over the past 25 years.
He observed that China had developed into a major global power with considerable political influence, economic strength and scientific and technological capabilities.
The German president also expressed admiration for the country’s development achievements under Xi’s leadership.
Reaffirming Berlin’s commitment to the one-China policy, Steinmeier said Germany remained confident about the future of bilateral relations.
He acknowledged that economic and trade disagreements existed between the two countries but maintained that they could be addressed through dialogue and consultation to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Steinmeier also highlighted the growing challenges facing the international order, saying the world expected China to play a greater role in maintaining global peace and development.
He expressed Germany’s readiness to work with China in defending the principles of the United Nations Charter, respecting international law and supporting free trade and the rules of the World Trade Organization.
He also voiced opposition to protectionism and trade wars, emphasising the importance of maintaining an open and cooperative global economic system.
Cultural exchanges to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations
Apart from economic and geopolitical cooperation, Xi called for stronger educational, cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries.
He encouraged both sides to facilitate travel, strengthen people-to-people connections and promote closer interaction between their citizens.
The initiatives are expected to contribute to a positive atmosphere ahead of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Germany in 2027.
Before the bilateral discussions, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, welcomed Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, at a formal ceremony outside the eastern entrance of the Great Hall of the People.
The Chinese presidential couple also hosted a welcoming banquet for their German guests on Friday evening.
The visit highlights efforts by Beijing and Berlin to maintain diplomatic engagement and identify areas of common interest amid international economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and growing debates over global trade.
Both leaders have emphasised dialogue and cooperation, signalling their intention to preserve bilateral ties while working together on wider international challenges.
