On October 11, 2012, Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.
Li said as China and Germany are both countries with great influence and the world's major economies, they should take a long-term perspective to develop bilateral relations and expand common interests based on equality and mutual respect. China is a very important trade partner both with Germany and the EU, Li noted, calling on the two sides to maintain the sound development and work against trade protectionism. Li stressed that the development of China's solar product industry helps address global climate change and maintain international sustainable development. He added that his country's exports of solar products to the EU help promote the Europe’s green growth and employment expansion. The two sides need each other and enjoy a complementary and win-win relationship. Li said, "I hope Germany will actively work to facilitate the EU to properly handle its trade disputes with China by taking the overall situation into consideration." Li said trade protectionism is sure to fail in the end with no way out, while consultation and cooperation are a general trend towards a win-win situation.
Li pointed out that the recently-launched European Stability Mechanism (ESM), largely funded by Germany, is an important step for the euro zone to stabilize market confidence and manage the crisis. Germany has played a promoting role in this regard. China hoped that the Mechanism would play a bigger role of coordination and help bail out recipient countries from the debt crisis. China is willing to continue to support Europe’s efforts to solve the sovereign debt issue and promote the integration process.
Westerwelle said Germany and China share extensive common interests and expressed Germany's willingness to work with China at a higher level and in broader areas. He thanked China for supporting the EU on the sovereign debt issue, and voiced Germany's stern opposition to trade protectionism. Germany is willing to continue to push the EU to address its trade disputes with China through dialogue and consultation.
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi attended the meeting.