On the afternoon of February 25, 2026, President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. 

President Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Germany are the world’s second and third largest economies, and the bilateral relationship not only bears on the interests of both countries, but also has significant impact on Europe and the world. The international landscape is undergoing the most profound transformations since the end of WWII. The greater changes and turbulence the world faces, the more important it is for our two countries to enhance strategic communication, strengthen strategic mutual trust and work for new progress in China-Germany all-around strategic partnership.

President Xi Jinping made three propositions on further developing China-Germany relations. First, both countries should be reliable partners that support each other. China and Germany have pursued self-reliance and realized rapid development. Both have upheld mutual respect, mutual trust and open cooperation, and together written a success story of mutual benefit. China adheres to the path of peaceful development, and has the capacity and confidence to achieve Chinese modernization. China will continue to share development opportunities with Germany and the wider world. We hope the German side can view China’s growth in an objective and rational manner, pursue a positive and pragmatic policy toward China, and work with China for steady and sustained growth of the bilateral relationship.

Second, both countries should be innovative partners that champion openness and win-win results. The German government put forward new development strategies in such areas as technology, innovation and digital development. They highly resonate with China’s objective of pursuing intelligent, green and integrated development during the 15th Five-Year Plan. The two sides should foster greater synergy between development strategies, support the two-way flow of talent, knowledge and technology, and promote dialogue and cooperation on AI and other cutting-edge technologies. Both sides need to correctly grasp the interplay of competition and cooperation, explore cooperation pathways that lead to win-win results, and jointly keep industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded. 

Third, both countries should be partners that understand each other and share close bonds through cultural and people-to-people exchanges. China and Germany, as major countries with profound cultural heritage, should strengthen mutual learning in culture and boost people-to-people exchanges, so as to cement the popular foundation for China-Germany friendship. 

President Xi Jinping stressed that as changes not seen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace, countries should tackle challenges together and pursue a shared future. China and Germany should uphold the central position of the U.N., reaffirm its leading role, and take the lead in safeguarding multilateralism, practicing international rule of law, defending free trade, and advocating for solidarity and coordination. China supports Europe in seeking to increase autonomy and strength, and hopes the European side can work with China toward the same direction, adhere to the positioning of strategic partners, and uphold openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, so as to deliver greater growth in China-Europe relations, and make bigger contributions to world peace and development.

Chancellor Merz said that he was delighted to visit China during the nationwide celebration of the Spring Festival, and conveyed best wishes to the Chinese people for the Year of the Horse. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Germany and China have maintained friendly exchanges and close cooperation, which has delivered benefits to both peoples. The German side values its relations with China and firmly upholds the one-China policy. It stands ready to work with China to carry forward the traditional friendship, stay committed to mutual respect and open cooperation, and continue to deepen the all-around strategic partnership. The German business community attaches high importance to the Chinese market, and hopes to further deepen cooperation with China for mutual benefit and shared growth. Profound changes are taking place in the international landscape. Germany and China shoulder important responsibilities in jointly addressing global challenges. The German side looks forward to working with China to enhance coordination, jointly adhere to free trade and reject protectionism. To pursue reliable and sustained economic and trade cooperation serves the interests of both the EU and China, and also contributes to the stability and prosperity of the world. Germany supports the EU and China in enhancing dialogue and cooperation. 

The two leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. President Xi expounded on China’s principled position, and pointed out that the key to finding a solution lies in consistent dialogue and negotiation. It is important to ensure the equal participation of all sides and strike a solid foundation for peace; accommodate the legitimate concerns of all sides and enhance the will for peace; and realize common security and build a lasting architecture of peace. 

The two sides issued the Joint Press Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.