President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said that China and Germany need to enhance strategic communication and increase mutual trust, as the world becomes more turbulent and intertwined.

Xinhua News Agency reported that Xi had made the comments during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is visiting Beijing.

The president also called for the continuous development of the two country's strategic partnership.

Noting that the current international situation is undergoing the most profound transformation since the end of the Second World War, Xi suggested the two countries should be reliable partners in innovation and culture to further develop China-Germany relations.

Merz, for his part, urged Chinese firms to step up investment in Germany.

He told Xi that he wanted to deepen economic ties with China – Germany's largest trading partner last year.

On the issue of Ukraine, Xi outlined to Merz China's position on the crisis, saying that seeking solutions through dialogue is key.

He said it was vital to ensure the equal participation of all parties, and address the legitimate concerns of all sides in order to build a lasting framework for peace, Xinhua reported.

In an earlier meeting with Merz, Premier Li Qiang called on both sides to work together to safeguard multilateralism and free trade. (Additional reporting by Reuters)


Edited by Aaron Tam