Question: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said yesterday in an article that for his upcoming visit to China, he will not ignore controversies, and will raise to China issues including protecting human rights and the rights of minorities in Xinjiang, and ensuring free world trade. He added that “We are far — too far — from reciprocity in relations between China and Germany”. Is China willing to have discussions with the German side on these issues? Will his statements affect China’s expectations for this visit?

We hope Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s first visit to China as German Chancellor will be a success. China and Germany are comprehensive strategic partners. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. Our half a century of exchanges and cooperation has fully demonstrated the fact that the convergence of our views far outweighs our differences, and that our cooperation far outweighs our competition. China and Germany are partners, not rivals. Both countries have benefited from each other’s growth and practical bilateral cooperation. A sound China-Germany relationship is good not only for the two countries, but also for China-EU ties and the world. China will continue to make sure that practical cooperation and mutual benefit will remain the keynote in our relations with Germany, and work with Germany to further advance our ties and provide a greater source of strength for world peace and stability. 

Regarding what you said about some differences between China and Germany, for example on Xinjiang, China’s position is consistent and clear. These are China’s internal affairs, which brook no foreign interference. On the so-called “human rights” issues, China respects and protects human rights. China is an important contributor to global human rights cause. The promotion and protection of human rights is a common cause for humanity. On the basis of equality and mutual respect, China is open to having human rights dialogue and exchange and ready to steer global human rights governance toward greater fairness, justice, equity and inclusiveness. Having said that, China is against using human rights discussions as a pretext to interfere in China’s internal affairs or smear and discredit China.