Chinese President Xi Jinping said that "sound and stable" relations with Germany are in both countries' interest in a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday. Xi added that both sides should expand cooperation in fields such as auto and mechanical manufacturing and chemical engineering, but also new technologies such as quantum and artificial intelligence.

Xi also expressed hope that Germany will adopt further policies facilitating mutual investment, noting that Beijing is prepared to start a "new chapter" of an "all-round" strategic partnership with Berlin. He said both China and Germany should "send a positive signal" upholding free trade and multilateralism as the countries are targeted by the Trump administration's tariffs.