German Chancellor Merkel meets with Wang Yi

On February 14, 2026, local time, German Chancellor Merkel met with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Munich. Wang Yi first conveyed the warm regards of Chinese leaders to Merkel. Wang Yi said that the Chancellor's speech at the opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference yesterday reflected Germany and Europe's expectations for strategic autonomy and self-reliance. China supports Germany in playing a greater role in this regard. All the initiatives proposed by China on the international stage and all the actions taken are aimed at upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core. Despite the weakening of the authority and status of the United Nations, its important position is irreplaceable. President Xi Jinping's proposal for global governance is to revitalize the United Nations and build a more just and reasonable global governance system. In this context, China and Germany should demonstrate great power responsibility, make new contributions to promoting world peace and development, and expect Germany to become a promoter of practical cooperation between China and Europe and a stable anchor of China-Europe strategic relations. Wang Yi stated that China and Germany have multiple common interests and complementary strengths, and strengthening cooperation is a strategic choice based on the actual needs of both countries. China adheres to high-level opening-up to the outside world, providing huge opportunities for German companies to invest and develop. It is hoped that the German side will also provide a more fair and just business environment for Chinese companies. China is willing to work with Germany to prepare for high-level exchanges in the next stage, strengthen practical cooperation in all fields, explore trilateral cooperation, and push China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. Merkel asked Wang Yi to convey sincere regards to the Chinese leaders. Merkel stated that China has achieved remarkable development achievements that have attracted worldwide attention and has become a major global power playing a crucial role internationally. Germany is committed to maintaining a rule-based international order, upholding the status and role of the World Trade Organization, which is consistent with China's concept of global governance. Both Germany and China adhere to and practice these concepts, which are beneficial to both countries and the world. The economic and trade relations between Germany and China are close, and both sides benefit from and support economic globalization. We should seize opportunities, tap potentials, and deepen cooperation. Germany consistently opposes protectionism, advocates free trade, and encourages German companies to increase investment and cooperation with China. Germany pursues a one-China policy and looks forward to close high-level exchanges with China, advancing cooperation in various fields, and achieving greater development in China-Germany relations.