German Foreign Minister Begins China Visit as Both Sides Seek Stronger Partnership

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul began a two-day visit to China amid renewed diplomatic engagement between China and European nations. During meetings in Beijing, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng emphasized that China and Germany remain key economic partners and expressed readiness to elevate their strategic cooperation. He reiterated that the one-China principle is central to China’s core interests and urged Germany to support stable China-EU relations.
Wadephul affirmed Germany’s commitment to the one-China policy and said the new German government aims to deepen high-level exchanges with China. He noted that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected to visit Beijing soon as both countries work to strengthen dialogue and economic cooperation.
Talks between Wadephul and Chinese officials focused on trade, supply chain stability, rare earth exports, and opportunities arising from China’s upcoming Five-Year Plan. China encouraged German companies to expand collaboration in traditional and emerging industries, while also calling for a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese firms in Germany.
Wadephul’s visit comes as Europe reassesses its China policy and high-level exchanges intensify, with recent visits by leaders from Spain and France. Observers say this trip aims to reset momentum in China-Germany relations after previous diplomatic frictions and to prepare for broader China-EU cooperation in a shifting global environment.