GERMANY'S Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed the importance of fair, transparent, and rule-based global trade as he started a two-day official visit to China on Monday. During a meeting in Beijing with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, Wadephul said Germany backs free trade and wants to remove unnecessary trade barriers. He also mentioned that China is Germany's most important trade partner.
Wadephul explained that his visit is meant to look for ways to strengthen economic cooperation and address any issues in the relationship between the two countries. The trip follows a postponement of his initial schedule six weeks ago when Beijing did not confirm meetings with top officials—a situation some saw as a diplomatic slight, especially with tensions over Taiwan.
In recent months, Wadephul has spoken out against what he called China's "increasingly aggressive actions" in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas.
These comments have made diplomatic relations more strained and made high-level talks more complicated. His current visit also helps prepare for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's planned visit to China. Despite the political tensions, both sides showed they are open to maintaining stable economic ties.
Wadephul said Germany wants to grow its partnership with China while making sure trade is fair and reliable. He added that Germany will work together without giving up its values or strategic goals.
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