Germany’s Wadephul speaks to Chinese counterpart after trip postponed
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has spoken to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi by phone, the Foreign Office said on Monday, 10 days after Wadephul’s trip to China was postponed at the last minute.
“In a very good and constructive conversation, current foreign, security and economic policy issues of mutual interest were discussed,” said a Foreign Office spokesman in Berlin.
There was agreement that stable German-Chinese relations are of great interest to both countries, he added.
China repeated its invitation to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and also extended an invitation to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the spokesman said.
The two foreign ministers emphasized “that they would like to continue the very good and constructive exchange they began in July during the strategic dialogue.”
They agreed to remain in close contact and agreed that the German foreign minister’s postponed visit to China should be rescheduled soon.
Wadephul postponed a trip to China late last month, complaining that Beijing refused to confirm any appointments beyond a meeting with Wang.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing, Wang said that cultural history and social systems in Germany and China are different, which is why differences of opinion are inevitable.
He added that both sides should continue dialogue, clear up misunderstandings and strengthen mutual trust.
Wang warned against “microphone diplomacy” and unfounded accusations that contradict facts. He also reiterated Beijing’s position that the Taiwan issue is an internal matter for China.
Wadephul had repeatedly criticized China’s stance on Taiwan, a self-governing island.
Wang said Beijing unconditionally supported the reunification of Germany and hoped that Berlin would understand the preservation of its territorial integrity and reject actions aimed at Taiwanese independence.
