On October 13, 2021, President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link. The two sides reviewed the development of China-Germany and China-EU relations in recent years and had an in-depth exchange of views on relevant issues in a friendly atmosphere.

Xi Jinping spoke highly of Merkel's contributions to promoting China-Germany and China-EU relations during her tenure. Xi Jinping pointed out that "For making acquaintances, the most valuable thing is mutual understanding, and for people to have mutual understanding, the key lies in knowing what is on each other's mind." This saying is not only a good illustration of our in-depth exchanges over the years, but also reflects the important experience in maintaining the smooth and sound development of China-Germany relations over the past 16 years. The Chinese people put a premium on friendship. China will not forget old friends and will always keep the door open for you. I hope you will continue supporting the development of China-Germany and China-EU relations.

Xi Jinping stressed that we have had multiple in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations, major international and regional issues and state governance, among other topics, which have advanced bilateral ties and ensured collaboration between the two countries in responding to global challenges. In a spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation, China and Germany have achieved win-win results by giving play to the complementarity of the two countries' economies. The sound development of China and Germany has also contributed more to the global economy. This demonstrates that countries can avoid the zero-sum game and achieve mutual benefits and win-win results. This is also the keynote to develop bilateral ties. 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. It's of great importance to keep bilateral ties on the right course. China always views its relationship with Germany from a strategic and long-term perspective. China is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with Germany, promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, tap the potential for cooperation in traditional fields, while exploring new areas of pragmatic cooperation in energy transition and the green and digital economy, among other areas, to further deepen and substantiate bilateral cooperation.

Xi Jinping pointed out that pursuing peace and development is the common aspiration of China and the EU. Both sides advocate safeguarding multilateralism, support trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and believe that the common interests of China and the EU far outweigh contradictions and differences. This is a critical period for the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic recovery. In the face of increasing global challenges and rising instability and uncertainty, China and the EU, as two important forces in the world, have a responsibility to strengthen cooperation and work together to deal with them. The two sides should view China-EU relations from a broader perspective, understand each other objectively and comprehensively, and handle differences rationally, peacefully and constructively. China hopes the EU can stay independent, truly safeguard its own interests and the unity of the international community, and work together with China and other countries to resolve the issues of peace and development in the century.

Merkel said, I remember all the exchanges we had over the past more than 10 years. We had candid and in-depth exchanges on issues of common concern, which have enhanced mutual understanding and promoted the sound development of Germany-China relations and EU-China cooperation. During my tenure as German Chancellor, China has achieved rapid development with the greatest strength never seen before and has shown great potential. I always hold that the EU should develop its relations with China independently. The two sides can enhance dialogue and exchanges on issues where we have differences and disagreements. I believe that EU-China relations can overcome various complicated issues and continue to develop. Germany appreciates China's efforts to cope with climate change and protect biodiversity. Germany stands ready to work with China to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and continue to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation to jointly cope with global challenges. I will continue to make positive efforts to promote understanding and cooperation between Germany and China and between the EU and China.

Wang Yi, He Lifeng and other officials attended the above activity.