Wang Yi: China and Germany should jointly become advocates of multilateralism, defenders of free trade, and contributors to open development.

On July 3rd local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas that the comprehensive, pragmatic, candid and constructive nature of the China-Germany Foreign and Security Dialogue has enhanced mutual understanding and expanded consensus between the two sides. Both sides believe that they should follow the correct path of mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and mutually beneficial cooperation, in order to promote new developments in the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany. Wang Yi emphasized that in the face of a complex international situation, major countries should strengthen coordination, and as risks and challenges become more pressing, countries should enhance cooperation. In the current situation, the Chinese side is willing to work together with the German side, adhere to a correct historical perspective, hold true to the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, strengthen strategic communication, uphold seeking common ground while shelving differences, deepen practical cooperation, jointly act as advocates of multilateralism, defenders of free trade, and contributors to open development, and promote the international order towards a more just and reasonable direction.