On January 22, 2008, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi who was attending the six-nation foreign minister's meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue in Berlin met with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier at invitation. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on the bilateral relations in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.
Yang noted that the Chinese government always attaches importance to the relations with Germany and handles the bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. China believes that only by maintaining the common interest of both sides, abiding by the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other and truly understanding and taking care of each other's major concerns can China and Germany enjoy the healthy and sustainable development of bilateral ties.
He said that China and Germany had kept communications to cope with the problems of bilateral relations. Recently the German side has made it clear to China that it will develop relations with China in the principle of mutual respect, equality and taking care of each other's concerns, continue to follow the one-China policy resolutely, recognize that Taiwan and Tibet are part of the Chinese territory, firmly oppose Taiwan's "referendum on joining the United Nations" and refrain from supporting or encouraging any effort of seeking Tibet independence, which the Chinese side appreciates very much. He expressed hope that Germany honors its commitment and avoids any further unnecessary interference to the bilateral relations. China expects to make joint efforts with Germany to push forward the mutually beneficial and cooperative relations between the two countries and open a new page in the history of bilateral ties.
Steinmeier said that Germany and China enjoy sound and close relations and the bilateral ties move forward steadily. No long ago the bilateral relations encountered some difficulties, but he exchanged letters with Foreign Minister Yang after rounds of talks and the bilateral relations were lifted out of trouble. He noted that the German government firmly pursues the one-China policy and will develop relations with China following the forward-looking principle. Germany is willing to join hands with China to advance the bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect and understanding the fundamental interest of each other.
Both leaders also exchanged opinions on the international issues of common concern including the Iranian nuclear issue.
