Beijing: China's President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for China and Germany to become 'reliable and innovative' partners during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The discussions took place as Merz embarked on his first official two-day visit to China.

According to Anadolu Agency, Xi highlighted the profound transformations occurring in the international landscape since the end of World War II. He stressed the importance of strategic communication and mutual trust between the two nations to advance their all-around strategic partnership. As the world's second and third largest economies, China and Germany have a significant influence on Europe and global affairs, according to Xi.

The Chinese leader underscored the importance of tackling global challenges together and pursuing a shared future, given the rapid pace of changes not seen in a century. Xi also reiterated the central role of the United Nations and urged both countries to lead in safeguarding multilateralism, upholding international law, defending free trade, and promoting solidarity and coordination.

Xi expressed China's support for Europe in enhancing its autonomy and strength, advocating for openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. This approach, he suggested, would foster growth in China-Europe relations and contribute to global peace and development.

According to Chinese-state run Xinhua News, Xi proposed three key suggestions for further developing China-Germany relations. He called for the two countries to be reliable partners supporting each other, innovative partners characterized by openness and mutual benefit, and cultural partners grounded in mutual understanding and friendship.

Chancellor Merz's visit to China marks his first since his election last year. Diplomatic relations between China and Germany were established in 1972 and were upgraded to an 'all-round strategic partnership' in 2014. In 2024, China became Germany's second-largest global trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $201.88 billion, as reported by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.