Xi Jinping calls on Germany to steer ‘healthy’ China-EU ties without ‘third party’ influence

In call with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chinese leader says Beijing supports EU ‘strategic autonomy’

He also urges Berlin to provide fair business environment and to cooperate on food and energy crises and climate change

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Chinese President Xi Jinping says Beijing supports EU ‘strategic autonomy’ – the idea that the bloc should be able to operate independently in all areas, including defence. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:00pm, 21 Dec 2022Updated: 2:53pm, 21 Dec 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping said he hoped China-EU relations would not be influenced by any third party during a phone call with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday.

Beijing and Berlin should lead the “healthy and stable” development of China-EU relations, according to Xinhua, China’s state news agency.

China-EU relations should not target, depend on or be subject to any third party, Xi said. He added that Beijing supports European Union strategic autonomy – the idea that the bloc should be able to operate independently in areas ranging from defence to industrial policy.

Xi also called on Germany to play a positive role to promote the steady development of China-EU relations.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier asked China to use its influence over Russia to help end the war in Ukraine. Photo: dpa

Last month, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a high-profile visit to Beijing to meet Xi, where the two leaders pledged to deepen economic cooperation and joint efforts in other areas. The trip generated a backlash in Germany, where some worry the country risks becoming too economically dependent on China.