China backs EU's strategic autonomy

The president urged the European side to show its historical responsibility and political wisdom and promote a solution based on the long-term stability of Europe, saying that the security of Europe should be kept in the hands of Europeans.

He reaffirmed Beijing's support for Europe in playing a positive role in promoting peace talks and in the eventual establishment of a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework.

China welcomes all international efforts conducive to promoting peace, and relevant parties need to support Russia and Ukraine in realizing peace through negotiations, he said.

Scholz said China and Germany should build on the fine traditions of bilateral ties and keep moving the relationship forward, adding that bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, climate change, COVID-19 response, health and medical care, and education and culture should be scaled up.

Berlin will work with Beijing on the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, maintain close communication and exchanges at all levels, ensure the success of the next round of intergovernmental consultation and conduct dialogue on key issues, including stabilizing global supply chains and macroeconomic policy coordination, he said.

Germany is prepared to enhance communication and coordination with China and promote the sound development of EU-China relations, he added.