BERLIN: Germany has urged China to shoulder greater responsibility for global peace following Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s first call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
The conversation came amid growing Western concern over Beijing’s deepening ties with Moscow since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Germany warned that the war “affects core European interests,” while Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in his maiden speech to parliament, said Berlin would press China to help resolve the conflict.
Wang reiterated China’s commitment to “a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement” through direct dialogue.
The call came as global efforts intensify for a ceasefire, with US President Donald Trump also spoken with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
While reaffirming the value of Berlin–Beijing ties, Merz said Germany would continue “de-risking” its economic dependence on China.
Wang countered that such a policy risked undermining bilateral cooperation and called for preserving free trade and resisting protectionism.
He also voiced hope that the EU-China tariff dispute over electric vehicles—sparked by accusations of Chinese subsidies—could be resolved.
Germany had opposed the EU’s move, fearing backlash against its automakers in China. – AFP
