China, Germany agree on dialogue to address China-EU trade issues

China and Germany have agreed that economic and trade issues between China and the European Union should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday during a phone call with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

Wang said China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners and should not engage in a trade war. China has consistently advocated that the two sides work toward each other to find ways to address their respective concerns through dialogue and consultation.

He expressed the hope that Germany would maintain a rational and pragmatic approach and play a positive role within the EU, encouraging the bloc to uphold free trade, reject protectionism and remain committed to openness, cooperation and dialogue.

Wadephul said Germany supports the EU and China in properly managing their differences through dialogue and is willing to play a constructive role.

As major economies and all-round strategic partners, China and Germany need to strengthen strategic communication, build mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation amid challenges posed by unilateralism and the backlash against globalization, Wang said.

Such efforts would send a positive signal of their shared commitment to multilateralism and free trade, bolster confidence in bilateral ties and contribute constructively to China-EU relations, he added.

Wang said stronger mutually beneficial cooperation serves both countries' interests and is the right choice for both sides. He called for building on the progress achieved so far to deepen cooperation and deliver further results.

Wang also emphasized that the one-China principle is the political foundation of China-Germany relations.

He expressed the hope that Germany would cherish and consolidate bilateral mutual trust and the tradition of friendship, abide by the one-China principle, and take concrete steps to safeguard bilateral relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, creating the necessary conditions for high-level exchanges.

Wadephul said Germany looks forward to closer high-level exchanges with China, holding a new round of intergovernmental consultations and deepening practical cooperation in trade and other areas to further advance bilateral ties.

Germany firmly follows the one-China policy, and that position will not change, he said.

With the international situation facing a series of new threats and challenges, Wadephul said Germany hopes China will use its influence in international and regional affairs and work with Germany to explore solutions.

Both sides also exchanged views on the situation in Iran and the Ukraine crisis. Wang said China will only take actions conducive to peace and remains committed to promoting peace talks. China is ready to maintain close communication and coordination with the European side and work together toward that goal, he added.