Newly installed German chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese leader Xi Jinping discussed deepening bilateral ties in a phone call on Tuesday, the German government said in a statement.
The two also discussed German-Chinese economic relations, developments in relations between China and the European Union and other international themes, the government said.
Xi Jinping stressed the need for continuity and pragmatism in bilateral relations, Germany’s state-owned Deutsche Welle reported.
The Chinese leader said German companies were welcome to seize the opportunities brought by China’s opening up, according to a readout of the conversation published by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
He said he hoped, in turn, that Germany would provide a fair business environment for Chinese investors.
Xi also said China — the world’s second-largest economy — and Germany — the fourth — should see the development of the other as an opportunity.
The countries should also “preserve the excellent tradition of a high-rank leadership style,” state media quoted Xi as saying.
- George Russell
READ MORE:
Shanghai-London Stock Connect to Include Germany, Switzerland
Germany Must Cut Dependence On China, Health Minister Says
Chipmaker TSMC Says Too Early to Say on Germany Expansion