China, Germany pose no security threat to each other, says President Xi

ANKARA

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said that China and Germany do not pose a security threat to each other and that cooperation between the two countries is beneficial for the world.

President Xi met with the visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Beijing and discussed the relations between both countries, the Ukraine crisis, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, according to an official statement by the Foreign Ministry.

"There is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and Germany and they do not pose a security threat to each other. Sino-German cooperation is beneficial to both sides and beneficial to the world," said Xi.

He added that Beijing’s policy toward Berlin maintains a high degree of stability and consistency and mutual cooperation between the two states is not a risk but a guarantee for the stability of bilateral relations and an opportunity to create a future.

On his part, Scholz said his country is willing to work with China to continue to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen bilateral dialogue and cooperation in various fields.

"Germany is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change, is committed to safeguarding the multilateral international order, promotes world peace and development, and does not endorse confrontation," he said.

During his visit, Scholz also visited Chongqing, Shanghai and said he "experienced the great achievements China's economic development has made."

The German chancellor told the Chinese president that his country opposes protectionism and supports free trade.

"As an important member of the EU, Germany is willing to play an active role in promoting the sound development of relations between the EU and China," he added.

The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis and emphasized that under the current situation, all parties should work together to restore peace as soon as possible.

"China and Germany are committed to abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, oppose the use of nuclear weapons or attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities, properly resolve international food security issues, and abide by international humanitarian law," according to the statement.

They also discussed the situation in the Middle East and called on influential countries to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting an early comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.

"Both sides believe that UN Security Council Resolution 2728 should be implemented to prevent the situation from escalating and further deteriorating the situation, ensure barrier-free and sustainable humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, and support the early negotiation of the Palestinian issue on the basis of the ‘two-state solution’," it said.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid