Wang Yi on Olaf Scholz
TL;DR
Wang Yi advocates for enhancing high-level communication and strengthening economic ties with Olaf Scholz's German government.
Key Points
Stated China is willing to uphold free trade and expand cooperation with Germany in February 2025.
Called for both sides to adhere to the comprehensive strategic partnership during a February 2023 engagement.
Emphasized enhancing communication with the EU, which includes key players like the German leadership, in February 2025.
Summary
Wang Yi's position regarding Olaf Scholz centers on promoting stable, mutually beneficial Sino-German relations, often emphasizing the need for strategic autonomy and increased practical cooperation between the two nations. He has consistently called for both sides to uphold principles of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, particularly stressing the importance of maintaining the broader stability of China-EU ties through the bilateral relationship. Evidence of this stance appears in statements calling for improved communication following meetings or engagements with German leadership.
His approach frames the relationship as a key component of China's overall European strategy, suggesting that divergences in global outlook should not derail substantial economic partnership. The focus has remained on fostering open trade and managing complex global issues through dialogue, suggesting that while policy differences exist, the strategic value of German engagement warrants consistent, pragmatic outreach from his side.
Key Quotes
China is willing to work with Germany to understand and support each other, enhance mutual trust, strengthen collaboration, and jointly provide more stability and certainty to the world.
As strategic partners, China and Germany, as well as China and the European Union (EU), should further strengthen unity, coordination and cooperation to uphold free trade, practice multilateralism, and safeguard the authority of the United Nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wang Yi generally seeks to maintain and deepen the strategic relationship with Olaf Scholz's government, viewing German engagement as crucial for broader EU ties. His position centers on pragmatic cooperation and mutual respect in bilateral dealings. He encourages working together on global challenges while upholding the foundations of the partnership.
Wang Yi's statements typically focus on the positive trajectory of Sino-German relations rather than endorsing specific domestic policies of the German Chancellor. He advocates for shared principles like free trade and against protectionism. The primary focus remains on ensuring stable, high-level communication pathways remain open between the two nations.
In February 2025, Wang Yi clearly stated that China is willing to uphold free trade and enhance cooperation with Germany across various sectors. This reflects a consistent desire to keep the strong economic relationship central to their engagement, despite geopolitical differences. He has called for opposing unilateralism and protectionism.
Sources8
Wang Yi meets with new ambassadors to China
Wang Yi meets with new ambassadors to China
China in Europe: February 2026
China tells EU it is willing to enhance communication
Wang Yi calls for openness and free trade
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's regular press conference on February 19, 2025
Wang Yi Meets with New Ambassadors to China
FM Wang Yi says China is willing to uphold free trade with Germany
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.