China pushes for market economy status

China hopes that the European side grants Beijing's market economy status as promised, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday in Beijing.

Wang made the remarks at a bilateral meeting ahead of the fourth round of an intergovernmental consultation between China and Germany, which will start on Monday.

"China appreciated that Germany had expressed their willingness to act as a constructive role in improving the relationship between China and Europe several times," Wang said, adding that Beijing hopes the European side duly fulfills its obligations under Article 15 of the Accession Protocol of China to the WTO.

Calling for the foreign ministries of the two countries to work as a platform to boost communication between China and Germany in many areas, Wang said the two sides should keep close cooperation to make the G20 summit in Hangzhou a success.

"Meanwhile, China and Germany should properly handle their disputes," Wang added.

Steinmeier said that Berlin is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with Beijing and to reach agreements with China through cooperation in economy, trade and international affairs.

On Sunday, Wang also invited the German foreign minister, whom Wang called "an old friend" of his, to enjoy the sunset at Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace.