2020 will be an intensive year in Germany and Europe’s relations with China. The agenda will feature various high‑level meetings, including a summit between the EU Heads of State and Government and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Leipzig in September.

The first of these numerous meetings will take place today when Foreign Minister Maas holds talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Berlin. Their meeting is taking place within the framework of the regular Strategic Dialogue between Germany and China agreed by the two countries in 2014.

Supporting China in the fight against the coronavirus

This year’s Strategic Dialogue is focusing on the great challenge facing China following the outbreak of the coronavirus. The two countries are working closely together to resolve this crisis. Germany has supported China in its efforts to contain the disease. For example, it has supplied several tonnes of medical equipment such as protective clothing and face masks, which are urgently needed in the infected areas. Working closely with the Chinese authorities, it was possible to evacuate German nationals from the crisis‑hit regions. Germany is willing to continue supporting China and is preparing a further delivery of material. It has also offered to provide medical expertise.

Working together to strengthen the rules‑based order, promote climate change mitigation and resolve international conflicts

The agenda of the Strategic Dialogue will also include cooperation on preserving and strengthening multilateralism and the rules-based international order, on promoting climate change mitigation and on resolving international conflicts.

Furthermore, the two Foreign Ministers will discuss deepening trade and economic relations between the EU and China. Germany and China are pursuing the joint goal of successfully concluding the negotiations on an EU‑China investment agreement by the end of 2020.