Adherence to one-China principle crucial for Beijing-Berlin ties

Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized on Monday that the one-China principle is the most important political foundation for China-Germany relations, and expressed hope that Germany would oppose any "Taiwan independence" actions.

During a phone conversation with Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Wang said the Taiwan question is China's internal affair and concerns China's core interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

He noted that China had unconditionally supported Germany's unification in the past and hopes that Germany, which has experienced the pain of division, can fully understand and support China's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity by opposing any "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

While acknowledging that differences between China and Germany are inevitable due to their distinct histories, cultures, and social systems, Wang said the two sides should persist in communication and dialogue to enhance understanding, eliminate misunderstandings, and consolidate mutual trust.

He emphasized that the two countries should not engage in "megaphone diplomacy" or make unfounded accusations contrary to the facts.

Wang added that as two major countries and important economies, maintaining the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations aligns with their mutual interests and international expectations, contributing to global peace and stability.

The key lesson from the development of China-Germany relations is mutual respect, the guiding principle is win-win cooperation, and the right approach is partnership, Wang said, underscoring the need for Beijing and Berlin to put in place a more stable and sustainable policy framework to ensure that bilateral ties stay on the right track.

Wadephul reiterated that Germany's adherence to the one-China policy remains unchanged and that Germany is willing to maintain close exchanges and dialogue with China across various fields, properly manage differences, and advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Germany highly values its relations with China, he said while expressing his expectation to visit China at an early, mutually convenient time to engage in in-depth communication on important issues, including bilateral relations.

In response, Wang welcomed him to visit China at a mutually convenient time.