China and Germany should jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his phone call with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.Congratulating Wadephul on taking up his new post, Wang said the significance of China-Germany relations goes beyond the bilateral scope and has a significant impact on world economic development and strategic stability.Noting that the Taiwan question is China's core interests, Wang expressed his belief that Germany will firmly adhere to the one-China principle.He called on the two countries to prevent the undermining of normal bilateral cooperation in the name of so-called "de-risking." As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), Wang said he hopes Germany will play an active role to inject new impetus into the development of China-EU ties through high-quality China-Germany cooperation.China expects that the EU will work together with Beijing in the same direction and properly resolve the anti-subsidy case involving Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) at an early date, said the Chinese foreign minister.He called on both countries to advocate and uphold free trade, maintain the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, practice true multilateralism, and safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core.Wadephul said the new German federal government attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to pursue an active and proactive policy toward China.Germany plays a leading role in the EU, he said, adding that his country is ready to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and support EU-China negotiations to resolve issues such as Chinese-made EVs.The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis.
Wang reiterated that China remains committed to promoting peace talks and supports reaching a fair, lasting and binding peace deal through direct dialogue.Wadephul expressed his hope that China will exert its influence to promote a ceasefire and end the crisis at an early date.(Cover via VCG.)