Angela Merkel in China
Multilateralism, rules-based open global trade, the Iran nuclear deal and North Korea were the political items on the agenda of the Chancellor’s trip. She also met with artists and human rights campaigners. And she visited Shenzhen – China’s Silicon Valley.
Opening a new Innovation Hub of the German Chamber of Commerce in China in Shenzhen
Photo: Bundesregierung/Bergmann
During her talks with Prime Minister Li and President Xi in Beijing, the Chancellor reiterated her support for multilateralism. She called for the agreement with Iran to be upheld and advocated a nuclear-weapons-free North Korea.
Multilateralism is the direct opposite of a policy of isolationism which generally looks only at national interests. It means that states act together as equals in principle. In times of crisis, international solutions are sought. The withdrawal of the USA from the Iran nuclear deal has put multilateralism under pressure.
A wide spectrum of different relations link China and Germany
Chancellor Angela Merkel advocated a two-way opening up for investment on the German and on the Chinese sides, also in the financial sector. She spoke out in favour of an investment protection agreement between the EU and China. It could be the basis for a subsequent free trade agreement.
At a meeting of the Sino-German economic advisory committee the Chancellor made it plain that for investment, companies need to have access to the other market. "We would like to see gradual improvements until we have the same preconditions."
With a view to close relations in the automobile branch, she announced improved technology transfer, especially on autonomous driving. Both sides are interested in forging new cooperation networks, she said. This relates in particular to digitalisation and the major changes involved in digitalising traditional industry, or Industry 4.0.
At the Goethe-Institut the Chancellor met with Chinese artists and research scientists. They discussed how the two sides can come to understand one another better through cultural exchange. She also met with human rights campaigners.
At the start of July, Sino-German government consultations are to be held in Berlin, where many topics will be explored in more depth, including the human rights dialogue, a legal aid agreement and the introduction of a cyber security dialogue. Economic cooperation will also be on the agenda again.
Respecting international commitments
Germany and China are not prepared to sacrifice the nuclear agreement with Iran. Germany was one of the parties involved in the negotiations over a period of many years that finally led to this agreement. It is not perfect, but we need to ask what the alternatives are, said Angela Merkel, "and the alternatives offer even less security".
Prime Minister Li stressed that the agreement with Iran was approved by the United Nations Security Council and that we cannot afford to "jeopardise peace and security in the world and in the region by withdrawing".
The Chancellor also urged that talks on a nuclear-weapons-free North Korea be pursued with all stakeholders. Prime Minister Li announced constructive support for these talks.
Beijing, 24.05.18: A guard of honour awaited Chancellor Angela Merkel when she landed early in the morning.
A welcome with military honours in the courtyard of the Great Hall of the People. China's Prime Minister Li Keqiang accompanied the Chancellor.
It was the Chancellor's eleventh visit to China.
Talks focused on the nuclear deal with Iran, developments in North Korea, and trade relations.
Germany and China reiterated their commitment to free global trade and multilateralism. "We want to see rules-based, fair and free trade," said Angela Merkel.
In the early evening this was followed by a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Beijiing, 25.05.18: The second day of the trip. The Chancellor leaves for Shenzhen.
The southern Chinese city is the country's most successful special economic zone and is today one of China's richest cities.
With the Party Secretary of the Province, Li Xi (3rd from left), she opened an Innovation Hub of the German Chamber of Commerce in China.
A Siemens plant produces diagnostic equipment for the health sector. Siemens employs over 32,000 people at more than 60 locations in China.
The Chinese start-up "iCarbonX" works on a health promotion and preventive healthcare platform.
Founder Wang Jun explains how users can use various data including DNA, saliva or blood samples to find out about their current health status at any time and to provide early warning of health conditions.
Shenzhen - the Silicon Valley in south-east Chinas
Shenzhen borders directly on Hong Kong and is one of China’s high-tech centres. Forty years ago, this was where the country began to open up its economy. The former province is booming and many IT companies have been founded.
The Chancellor opened a new Innovation Hub of the German Chamber of Commerce in China. She also visited a Chinese start-up and the German company Siemens.
As a centre of digitalisation, Shenzhen has developed a special dynamism. Germany must now "take a very strategic approach to digitalisation and the changes it is bringing to the labour market," said Angela Merkel.
In view of these developments, cooperation between German and Chinese companies "must be put on a new footing".
Germany is the most important trading partner for China within the EU. The volume of trade in 2017 was 186.6 billion euros, marking a 10% increase over 2016. China’s exports to Germany were worth 100 billion euros, while Germany’s exports to China totalled 86.6 billion euros.