On October 30, Chinese President Xi Jinping held official talks with Steinmeier at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during the German president's five-day state visit to China.
President Xi Jinping Holds Bilateral Talks With President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beijing
The meeting on the afternoon of October 30 marked an important diplomatic engagement as bilateral ties approach the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. President Xi noted during the talks that bilateral relations have maintained a high-level development trajectory over the past half-century, remaining mutually trusting friends and cooperative partners. As the world’s second and third-largest economies, China and Germany share a heavy responsibility for steering Europe-China relations and stabilizing the global economy. Xi emphasized that China’s policy toward Germany remains consistent, stable, and predictable, adding that Beijing supports Germany’s unity and development while hoping Berlin maintains an open and pragmatic approach to bilateral cooperation.
President Steinmeier, visiting China for the eighth time in 25 years, praised the country's transformation and economic-technological rise. According to reports from Xinhua, Steinmeier toured an automotive tech center in Hefei, Anhui province, on October 27, where he test-drove new energy vehicles and inspected joint software development by German and Chinese engineers.
Did You Know? President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s October trip marks his eighth visit to China over a 25-year span, bringing him to sites ranging from Anhui’s Hefei automotive facilities to scientific institutions in Beijing.
Trade Cooperation, Green Development, and Global Governance Agendas
The discussions between the two leaders covered a broad spectrum of strategic cooperation, including artificial intelligence, green and low-carbon technologies, service trade, and the digital economy. Sina’s commentary noted that the visit unfolds as China and Europe seek stability in their economic and trade relations following multiple rounds of consultations. Xi emphasized that the essential nature of China-Europe economic and trade ties is mutual benefit and win-win complementarity. He stressed that cooperation clearly outweighs competition and that differences should be managed through equal dialogue.
Steinmeier echoed the sentiment of strengthening multilateral ties, stating that Germany remains committed to the one-China policy and wishes to expand high-level exchanges, trade, and environmental cooperation. He warned against protectionism and trade wars, advocating for adherence to World Trade Organization rules and the UN Charter. Sina reported that despite rising European discussions regarding supply chain resilience and market access, both sides continue to advance joint industrial projects, such as BASF’s Zhanjiang integrated production base and Volkswagen’s Hefei research operations.
Governments Expect Greater Personnel Exchanges Next Year
Looking ahead, both governments are expected to facilitate greater personnel exchanges, educational ties, and cultural events leading into the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. Xi expressed hope that Germany will provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises operating abroad, much like China encourages foreign firms to utilize its large consumer market. Steinmeier emphasized that structured dialogue remains vital for resolving trade frictions and tackling shared global threats, such as climate change.
German President Visits China for Five Days
When did German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visit China?
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier undertook a five-day state visit to China running from October 27 to October 31, with his official talks with President Xi Jinping taking place on the afternoon of October 30 at the Great Hall of the People.
What specific areas of cooperation did Presidents Xi and Steinmeier discuss?
The two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, science, artificial intelligence, green and low-carbon development, environmental protection, service trade, and the digital economy, while also addressing ways to manage economic and trade divergences through dialogue.
How might continued high-level diplomatic engagement between Beijing and Berlin shape broader European trade policies in the coming months?
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