In times of growing international tension and geopolitical upheaval, direct and in‑depth discussion with China is necessary, in fact indispensable. We have to, and we want to, continually and constructively explore how we can find solutions together with China for pressing international challenges.

It is clear that many issues that arise are not simple, and our perspectives are sometimes very different. But it is equally clear that the freedom, security and prosperity of Germany and Europe are closely tied to China. It is therefore in our interest to engage in this dialogue – in direct and fair discussions.

China has undergone rapid development over the last few decades. It is now a key player on the international stage, with an unparalleled economic dynamism that has made it Germany’s most important trading partner.

Close economic relations have always been fundamentally important. And Germany and China still have a lot to offer one another today. German products are in demand in China – while China’s market and innovative power are attractive to many German businesses. However, only those who place themselves firmly at the forefront of today’s technological essentials, from semiconductors to artificial intelligence, can stay competitive in the long term, bolster their security and reduce critical dependencies in the digital sphere, too. In light of this, we in Europe must continually define areas in which cooperation with China is possible – and ones in which we will invest more in our own digital innovative power and sovereignty.

We are taking a thorough look at critical dependencies in other areas as well. Trade restrictions on rare earths in particular are a major concern for our businesses, as are excess capacities in e‑mobility and steel. These are crucial issues for the German economy, and they are issues that I will address. We ultimately have a shared interest with China in ensuring stable and dependable global trade relations. These are what give businesses worldwide the certainty that they need in order to plan ahead. In the long term, this is only possible if the rules of fair and open international trade are observed by all sides.

At the same time, it is clearly much more urgent than before for us in Germany and Europe to put in the work if we want to gain new economic strength. We want to cooperate with China. And we must and will bolster our own innovative power and competitiveness, systematically diversify supply chains and further expand our network of global partnerships in the area of business and trade as elsewhere.

The Russian war of aggression on Ukraine, which jeopardises our own most fundamental security interests in Europe, shows how closely security, prosperity and freedom here and in Asia are interlinked. Diplomats are working flat‑out to achieve a ceasefire. In my talks, I will reiterate that no other country has as much influence on Russia as China, nor can exert as much pressure to persuade Russia to finally accept serious negotiations that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. It is in our interest to see China help achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

A stable international order is in our interest worldwide. What happens in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea, for example, also affects us in Europe and worldwide. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China bears responsibility for peace and stability in the world and for upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including the prohibition of the use of force. The status quo can only be changed consensually and by peaceful means.

We want and need in‑depth discussion with China in order to advance on all of these issues. When it comes to the major challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, too, we can only make progress together. We want to cooperate with China – but we also expect to see understanding for Europe’s key concerns and interests.

More interaction in general can also contribute to this, between individuals, between students, in sports and in the arts. On my trip, I would like to promote joint efforts to create more opportunities for civil-society dialogue as well.