German president lauds China's vitality, seeks closer cooperation

On Wednesday, the presidential couple visited Hongcun village, a world cultural heritage site, and later climbed Huangshan Mountain, both in Anhui. Steinmeier said he had visited China eight times over the past 25 years, traveled to many parts of the country, and always followed China's development with sincere respect.

Speaking on Thursday morning during a field visit to a 325-meter meteorological observation tower in Beijing, Steinmeier said climate change is one of the most severe challenges facing the world today. "Only by working together can we cope with this challenge," he said, adding that Germany is ready to continue working with China as strong partners.