Scholz’s China trip: Xi Jinping urges Germany to resist grip of ideology on Berlin-Beijing ties
- ‘It is easy to destroy political mutual trust, but it is difficult to rebuild it,” Xi tells German chancellor on state visit
- The two leaders also exchange views on the situation in Ukraine, and express opposition to the use of nuclear weapons
Xi said he hoped Germany would have a “positive policy” towards China, and called on the European Union to retain “strategic autonomy” to achieve mutual benefits.
“China always regards Europe as a comprehensive strategic partner, supports the European Union’s strategic autonomy, hopes to see a stable and prosperous Europe, and insists that China-Europe relations are not targeted at, subjugated to, or controlled by any third party,” Xi said, in an apparent reference to the United States.
“It is easy to destroy political mutual trust, but it is difficult to rebuild it, and both sides need to take care of it.”
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Scholz said he hoped to “further develop” economic cooperation – while alluding to areas of disagreement.