By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-29 07:29

Visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel Tuesday welcomed China's economic development and increasing participation in international affairs, saying it should and will shoulder more obligations in global environmental protection.

In a speech to more than 100 senior researchers with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, Merkel said she appreciated China's support to the international discussion on action to reduce emissions after 2012, when the Kyoto Protocol expires.

"We are willing to share our expertise with China in energy saving," Merkel said.

She also urged the government to take more effective measures to protect intellectual property rights (IPR).

She said she believes China has set up a sound legal base for IPR protection but there is a need for specific measures to fulfill the policies.

Merkel also reiterated Germany's adherence to the one-China policy, saying she would never provide a platform for pro-independence separatist forces in Taiwan.

Liu Liqun, a professor with the institute of European studies with the academy described Merkel's hour-long speech and question-and-answer session as "quite frank".

He said he believes it is very possible Merkel will continue to visit China every year in a bid to enhance the political trust and push forward their strategic partnership in global obligations.

He said Germany is a nation that pays high attention to the communication of thinking and Merkel's choice to have face-to-face talks with the think tank of Chinese decision makers showed her desire to get to know more about the development of modern China.

This is Merkel's second visit to the country during her less than two years in office and Premier Wen Jiabao has invited her to attend the 7th Asia-Europe Summit to be held in Beijing next year.

Merkel flew to Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province yesterday afternoon to meet with law students at Nanjing University.

She attended a ballet performance last night held as a curtain raiser for a three-year program "Germany and China - Moving Ahead Together".

The program will showcase German artistic and cultural creations in six major provincial hubs including Guangzhou, Wuhan and Chengdu.

Merkel will leave Nanjing for Tokyo today to start her first visit to Japan since taking office.