On Tuesday, May 9, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock held talks in Berlin, Germany.

Qin Gang said that China and Germany, as the major countries with global influence, should strengthen dialogue and cooperation under the current turbulent international situation. The two countries should jointly prepare for the coming seventh round of China-Germany Inter-governmental Consultation for practical cooperation between the two sides in various fields.

Countries need cooperation rather than confrontation in the face of various global issues and challenges, Qin Gang said. He believed China and Germany should jointly resist the “New Cold War” and “decoupling” ideas, providing confidence and impetus for world peace and prosperity.

Annalena Baerbock said Germany attaches great importance to high-level exchanges and cooperation with China. The German side looks forward to the coming seventh round of China-Germany Inter-governmental Consultation, which will be the first offline consultation between the two newly elected governments after the pandemic. Germany is willing to work with China in various fields, promoting cooperation between the two countries in areas such as climate change, sustainable energy, biodiversity, and cultural exchanges between young people.

The two sides exchanged views on Ukraine. Qin Gang stressed China’s consistent position is to promote peace and dialogues to help the international community find a political solution to the crisis. He added that European countries should address both the crisis and the root causes of the crisis to help restore peace in Europe.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock jointly met with reporters on Tuesday, May 9 after their talks.

Qin Gang said the main goal for his visit to Germany is to prepare for the upcoming seventh round of China-Germany Inter-governmental Consultation, which will be the first offline consultation between the two newly elected governments after the pandemic. The two sides agreed to make comprehensive plans for practical cooperation, increasing coordination in multilateral areas such as COP28 and biodiversity.

Qin Gang stressed that China and Germany are the leading economies in the world and comprehensive strategic partners to each other. Both sides should adhere to strategic autonomy, enhance political mutual trust, and strengthen solidarity and cooperation in the fundamental interests of the two peoples and the long-term welfare of all mankind. China is willing to work with Germany to facilitate global economic recovery, maintain world peace and stability, and uphold international orders. China and Germany should maintain existing and develop a new healthy environment for business cooperation to provide a strong impetus for the global economy.

Europe has experienced two World Wars and the Cold War. China and Europe should work together to build a peaceful future for the world. Returning the Taiwan region to China is an integral part of the post-World War II international order. Any party that is committed to maintaining the international order and aspires to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait should adhere to the one-China principle and firmly reject all acts of “Taiwan independence.”

Qin Gang said the Ukraine issue is highly complex. Either simplifying the issue or trying to resolve the problems with certain sentiments would not solve the issue. The correct approach is to remain rational and create conditions for a political solution. China didn’t create the conflict or participate in the conflict. China is an advocate of peace. China hopes Germany could play a leading role in building a balanced, effective, and sustainable security framework for Europe.

Today marks Europe Day, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Europe, Qin Gang added. China supports the development path chosen by the European people, supports European strategic autonomy, and has always maintained a stable and coherent policy toward Europe.

China is a key partner for Europe in addressing risk challenges. China welcomes Europe to share its opportunities in the Chinese market and the dividends from the country’s development to achieve Chinese modernization and the common development of European integration.

In response to a reporter’s question about the German and European side’s “de-risking” approach, Qin Gang said the first thing to think about is what is the risk and where the risk is. China does not export political systems to other countries, adheres to peaceful development and the pursuit of mutually beneficial cooperation with the world, upholds the international order based on international law, and opposes hegemony. China provides the world with opportunity, cooperation, and stability, not crisis and confrontation.

Over the past 40 years of China’s reform and opening up, China, Germany, and Europe have gained fruitful results through the development of international industrial and supply chains and economic globalization. It has been proved that China and Europe are two markets for common development and two partners for win-win cooperation. China continues to welcome German and European enterprises to explore markets in China. China will keep creating a market-oriented, legalized, and internationalized investment environment for global enterprises.

Qin Gang said China appreciates Germany and Europe’s position of not engaging in “decoupling” from China but is concerned about the “de-risking” idea. If “de-risking” was used for “decoupling” from China, then “de-risking” will become “de-opportunity,” “de-cooperation,” “de-stabilization” and “de-development.” China, Germany, and Europe should abide by the rules of international trade and keep an open mind to avoid politicizing normal economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

It is worth noting that some countries are waging a “New Cold War,” disrupting international orders and engaging in confrontation and “decoupling,” Qin Gang stated. It is a real risk for some countries to abuse the currency hegemony to extend long-arm jurisdiction over other countries, impose unilateral sanctions, and export inflation and financial crisis, causing serious spillover effects.

The “New Cold War” will harm both China’s and Europe’s interests. According to a study from an Austrian think tank, Qin Gang pointed out that Germany’s GDP would fall by 2 percent a year after decoupling from China, equivalent to a loss of 60 billion euros. Qin Gang said China, Germany, and Europe should resolutely reject decoupling, remain highly alert to the “New Cold War,” and work together to maintain a stable supply chain of the global industrial network.