German Minister calls for increased cooperation with China

German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche on Thursday advocated for strengthening relations with China in light of the current geopolitical situation as she concluded a trip to the world's second largest economy, reported dpa.

During a visit to the southern industrial hub of Guangzhou, Reiche said she is looking to follow "the established path" of increased cooperation, investment and exploring new opportunities.

The goal is to jointly "position ourselves in a world that is not lacking in conflicts and sometimes somewhat limited in its avenues for solutions," Reiche said.

It was good to focus on trusting, long-term relationships, which must be strengthened and consolidated in turbulent times, Reiche said during a meeting with Communist Party secretary of Guangdong Huang Kunming.

The German minister gave a positive assessment of the talks she held over the past day with high-ranking government officials in Beijing.

"We did indeed have a very, very long exchange on a wide range of topics in an exceptionally constructive, friendly, open atmosphere characterized by mutual understanding," she said.

Reiche's two-day visit comes in the wake of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inaugural trip to Beijing in February, as part of a bid by Berlin to revive economic dialogue as the German-Chinese trade imbalance remains heavily strained in China's favour.

It also comes ahead of an EU meeting in Brussels on Friday which is set to focus on steps member states could take to create a level playing field with China.

Looking ahead to the talks, Reiche called for a balanced approach.

Germany has an interest in taking general measures whenever unfair competition practices arise, Reiche said.

“At the same time, however, Germany must remain an export nation, and we need a balanced position,” she said.