China Germany Photo:VCG

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Tuesday held a video call with German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche at the latter's request, exchanging views on China-Germany and China-EU economic and trade issues, according to a release by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). 

Wang said China and Germany are important economic and trade partners for each other. Under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, China-Germany economic and trade ties have continued to make steady progress, with practical cooperation deepening across various fields. He noted that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee last month adopted the proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining a grand blueprint for China's future development. 

China will continue to advance high-standard opening-up and foster a world-class business environment, creating development opportunities for foreign investors, including German companies, Wang said.

Wang emphasized that the issue involving Nexperia stems from the Dutch government's improper interference in the company's internal affairs, and that the responsibility for the resulting disruption and confusion in the global semiconductor supply chain lies with the Dutch side.

China, acting responsibly, has made its utmost efforts by granting exemptions for eligible exports, which has helped ease supply chain pressure in the short term. But ensuring the long-term stability of the global semiconductor supply chain requires the Netherlands to demonstrate a constructive attitude and take concrete steps, he noted. 

Wang expressed hope that Germany would play a positive role in urging the Dutch government to act swiftly, correct its wrong practices, revoke related measures, and help bring about an early resolution of the issue.

Reiche said the German government attaches great importance to developing economic and trade relations with China and is impressed by China's economic achievements and dynamism, according to MOFCOM.   

She noted that Germany-China economic cooperation benefits both sides, and that Germany is willing to strengthen dialogue with China to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote more balanced and sustainable bilateral trade. Reiche said Germany is following the Nexperia issue closely and will continue to enhance communication with the Netherlands, according to the release. 


Global Times