Beijing, February 26 – In a significant move amid global economic turbulence, Chinese Premier Li Qiang co-chaired the China-Germany Economic Advisory Committee meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the afternoon of February 25 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Over 60 representatives from leading Chinese and German enterprises attended the high-level gathering, underscoring the deepening ties between the world’s manufacturing powerhouses.
Li Qiang opened the forum by highlighting the escalating instability in the global economy. ‘As the two largest economies, China and Germany have expanded their development through close cooperation, injecting vital momentum into the world economy,’ he stated. He warned of mounting challenges like unilateralism and protectionism eroding the international trade order. ‘The more severe the situation, the stronger our collaboration must be,’ Li emphasized, calling for reinforced partnership to navigate these headwinds.
Pointing to positive signals in both nations’ economies, Li noted China’s 15th Five-Year Plan will unlock broader opportunities for bilateral trade and investment. ‘The complementary economic and industrial strengths between our countries remain unchanged. Cooperation far outweighs competition,’ he said, advocating for healthy rivalry alongside mutual growth.
Chancellor Merz echoed these sentiments, describing China as Germany’s key economic partner with dynamic, high-level relations boosting growth on both sides. He committed to deepening ties in automobiles, chemicals, machinery, renewables, and digital economy. ‘Germany supports its firms investing in China and welcomes more Chinese companies to our market,’ Merz affirmed, pledging to enhance business environments for shared prosperity and long-term stability in bilateral relations.
This meeting signals a strategic pivot towards resilience in Sino-German relations, potentially setting the tone for future collaborations as both nations eye sustainable development in an uncertain world.