China’s Wang Yi urges Germany to reject protectionism and ‘bloc confrontation’ as EU eyes economic security measures

In meeting with German foreign policy adviser, top Chinese diplomat calls on Berlin to avoid ‘de-sinicisation’ amid ‘de-risking’ talk by the West

The comments come after Brussels announces plans to strengthen foreign investment screening and tighten controls on tech exports to Beijing

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) shakes hands with German foreign policy adviser Jens Plotner in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:04pm, 23 Feb 2024Updated: 9:41pm, 23 Feb 2024

China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, urged Germany to oppose “bloc confrontation” and protectionism, amid efforts by Western countries to “de-risk” from Beijing.

In a meeting with German foreign policy adviser Jens Plotner in Beijing on Friday, Wang said ties between the two countries, which he called “major powers with world influence”, held “global significance” and transcended bilateral relations.

He added that stabilising and developing ties would offer greater certainty to the world, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

“We must adhere to unity and cooperation, oppose bloc confrontation, abandon protectionism and not engage in de-sinicisation to reduce risks so as to promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations,” he said.

“China and Germany should encourage the international community to strengthen unity and coordination, improve global governance, and make positive contributions to world stability, development and prosperity.”

Wang, China’s foreign minister, warned earlier this month that the West would be making a “historic mistake” if it decoupled from China in the name of “de-risking”.