Kathmandu. Beijing has given clear indications that it will take ties with Germany to a “new level” as the European Union re-evaluates its dependence on both China and the United States. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that China is willing to further strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership.

According to a statement released by Beijing’s foreign ministry, Wang hoped to work with Germany “to push the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new height”. He said he wanted to prepare for the next round of high-level exchanges with Berlin’s cooperation.

The meeting is seen as meaningful as China seeks to present itself as a stable and reliable partner for the EU. European countries are trying to balance economic relations with China on the one hand and distance themselves from an unpredictable US policy on the other.

However, in recent years, unfair trade practices, protectionism and market access disputes have strained deepening economic ties between the two countries. In this context, Merz is preparing to make an official visit to China this month. It is expected that the main agenda of managing the trade relations developed during the visit will be discussed.

Wang encouraged Germany to maintain its “strategic autonomy and self-reliance” and said Germany could be a driving force in China-Europe cooperation. He also said he wanted to see Germany as a “reliable support” for strategic relations.

German Foreign Minister Johan Waudefull visited Beijing in December and held talks with Chinese officials, including Wang. During the meeting, he raised the issue of China using its influence to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Wadeful’s previous trip to China was cancelled at the last minute because Germany said it could not confirm a meeting with senior officials.