German media: German Foreign Minister: Expected to visit China this year

After the German Foreign Minister, Wadefu, postponed his scheduled visit to China in October, Sino-German relations once fell into an awkward situation. Recently, high-level interactions between Berlin and Beijing have been frequent. Wadefu also expressed optimism about the upcoming visit to China.

German Foreign Minister Wadefu stated that he will visit Beijing this year. "We are currently in the final stages of coordination," he said. "I am very confident" that this visit will soon take place. Wadefu made this announcement at a foreign policy forum held by the Körber-Stiftung in Berlin.

The German Foreign Minister had originally planned to visit China at the end of October, but he postponed the trip shortly before departure. The German Foreign Ministry's explanation at the time was that China had not confirmed any other meetings for Wadefu besides the meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. The ministry expressed regret and pointed out that the German government hopes to discuss many issues with China, such as trade disputes and relations with Russia.

German media analyzed that the reason for Wadefu's cold reception was that he has repeatedly publicly criticized China.

The sudden cancellation of the important visit by the German Foreign Minister sparked much discussion. On November 3rd, Wadefu called the Chinese Foreign Minister. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry said, "The two sides had a very good and constructive conversation,... emphasizing the willingness to continue communication." Berlin stated that both sides will reschedule the postponed visit to China as soon as possible.

The consensus between the two sides is that "a stable Sino-German relationship is crucial for both countries." In mid-November, the German Finance Minister and Deputy Chancellor, Klingbeil, led an economic and trade delegation on a four-day visit to China as scheduled, holding talks with senior Chinese officials.

German Chancellor Merkel announced that she will visit China at the beginning of next year.

However, the German Foreign Minister's view of China seems to remain unchanged. A week ago, Wadefu attended a forum event hosted by the Süddeutsche Zeitung in Berlin, where he stated that for Germany, "China is a partner and a competitor, and there is also institutional competition between us."

Source: DW

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849805361367043/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.