China is more than just our chief trading partner in Asia. It’s clear that solutions to many of the world’s problems can only be found by working with China. That is why we have a strategic interest in strong and robust channels of communication with Beijing.

This is particularly true for issues that we want to champion in the UN Security Council, such as strengthening the role of humanitarian aid workers or addressing problems related to climate change. It is therefore a good thing that over the coming two days we will continue to pursue the strategic dialogue between China and Germany. Our talks will of course include topics on which our views differ. But for a relationship as strong and long-standing as ours this should certainly be manageable.