German finance minister seeks better market access in China talks
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil on Sunday stressed the importance of fair competition and better market access for German companies, ahead of his trip to China.
“Access to critical raw materials and reducing Chinese overcapacity in sectors such as steel and electromobility are of great importance for the economy and employment in Germany,” Klingbeil said before leaving for Beijing, where he is due to arrive on Monday.
“We are not afraid of competition, but it must be fair,” he added.
Klingbeil is the first German minister to visit China since the conservative government took office in May. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul postponed a planned trip a few weeks ago because he was unable to find sufficiently high-ranking interlocutors in Beijing.
“We seek dialogue with China to find solutions to pressing issues despite growing international tensions,” Klingbeil said.
He said he wanted to discuss more intensive cooperation in the financial sector as well as better market access for German companies.
China’s possible influence in the war in Ukraine will also be a topic of discussion, he said, adding: “China plays a decisive role when it comes to ending this war.”
