Security issues likely to be high on agenda as Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan visits Germany
- His trip to Berlin comes as tensions rise between China and the US – and it coincides with that of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
- Both China and Germany have criticised Washington’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Iran
As tensions rise with the US, Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan is due to arrive in Berlin on Friday seeking to boost ties with Germany – as Washington steps up its own diplomatic offensive in Europe.
Wang, a close confidant of President Xi Jinping with a key role in diplomacy, is expected to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the trip, according to local media, after visits to Pakistan and the Netherlands.
Both China and Germany have criticised the US “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. After the US sent more warships to the Middle East this month, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the move increased the risk of an accidental military encounter.
“In terms of global security, Germany is one of China’s most important partners, and both countries share common ground on a lot of issues such as Iran,” said Cui Hongjian, a senior research fellow with the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing.
Cui said Germany and China were likely to take a united stance against US pressure on Iran and maintain their defence of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. US President Donald Trump last year withdrew the United States from the deal which effectively curbed Iran’s nuclear ambitions.