China, Germany can achieve win-win results by strengthening cooperation

As major countries, China and Germany bear significant responsibility for maintaining international stability. Their comprehensive strategic partnership, built over 53 years of diplomatic relations, has long benefited the two countries and their peoples.

The visit of German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to China this week — his first since taking office — is therefore not only an important bilateral event, but also a major opportunity for both countries to consolidate and develop their relations to inject new momentum into China-Germany and China-European Union relations at a time when constructive dialogue is greatly needed.

As Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday, given the current complex and turbulent international situation, consolidating and developing bilateral relations between China and Germany is not only in the interests of both countries but also conducive to them jointly upholding multilateralism, supporting free trade, defending the postwar international order and international rules, opposing unilateralism and bullying, and addressing global challenges such as climate change.

China has always viewed China-Germany relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to work with Germany to strengthen strategic communication, enhance understanding and mutual trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation to maintain a good momentum in the development of their relations.

Wadephul's emphasis, before departing Berlin, on the "irreplaceable" importance of direct contact with China was reflected in his meetings with Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday.

As Han noted, China stands ready to work with Germany to implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries — particularly that of the telephone call between them, which charted the long-term direction of bilateral relations.

As Wadephul acknowledged both sides must explore how to work together to address common challenges even when differences exist.

While differences in history, culture and social systems inevitably lead to divergences, the correct response is dialogue — not confrontation, "microphone diplomacy", or unfounded accusations. Instead, both sides should enhance understanding, dispel misunderstandings and foster trust.

The Taiwan question remains an issue on which clarity is essential. China appreciates Germany's reaffirmation of the one-China policy — a political foundation of bilateral relations — and hopes that Germany, having experienced the pain of national division and reunification, can fully understand China's commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity while opposing all forms of "Taiwan independence".

The value of Wadephul's visit will ultimately depend on how Germany's expressed willingness to deepen cooperation "on all fronts" and act as a reliable partner is translated into practice following his visit. A stable and forward-looking China-Germany relationship requires consistency, mutual respect and a departure from outdated paradigms that define China primarily as a competitor rather than a partner.

Given Germany's role as a major country in the European Union and China's largest trading partner in the bloc, Berlin also has a unique and constructive role to play in advancing China-EU relations. This is especially important as the two sides are being looked upon to reinforce their strategic partnership to lead global efforts to address the climate emergency.

The world today is witnessing heightened geopolitical frictions, protectionist headwinds and disruptions to global supply chains. Under such conditions, strengthening China-EU dialogue and cooperation would also bolster global stability. China stands ready to work with the EU to jointly uphold multilateralism, support free trade, defend the United Nations-centered international order and universally recognized international rules, and oppose unilateralism and bullying.

Wadephul's visit marks an important step toward reinvigorating China-Germany ties. It builds on earlier constructive dialogues, including the China-Germany High-Level Financial Dialogue in November, which signaled the new German government's growing readiness to recalibrate its approach toward China based on realism and shared interests.

As China and Germany move forward, both sides should seize the momentum of this visit to expand cooperation, manage differences responsibly, and keep bilateral relations on a stable and constructive course. Doing so will not only benefit the two countries and their peoples, but will also contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity at a time when such contributions are desperately needed.