Economy

Premier Wen vows to oppose trade protectionism

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-06 11:59

BERLIN - China and Germany pledged on Oct 5 to enhance their efforts in coordinating macroeconomic policies and opposing trade and investment protectionism, according to a joint communique issued after a meeting between Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his German counterpart Angela Merkel.

The meeting, focusing on China's relations with Germany and Europe, was held at the Meseberg Palace, 70 km north of Germany's capital of Berlin, on the eve of the 13th China-European Union (EU) summit in Brussels.

China and Germany are two of the world's largest exporters. China surpassed Germany last year to become the number one exporter.

The communique said both sides agreed to attach importance to a series of dialogue mechanisms, including the strategic dialogue, the dialogue between nations ruled by law and human rights dialogue.

China and Germany also agreed to expand political mutual trust and deepen strategic coordination between China and Europe. The two countries would like to promote Sino-European economic ties by enhancing negotiation and amplifying cooperation of mutual benefit.

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Germany would continue urging the EU to recognize China's full market economy status as soon as possible. China agreed to hold talks with the EU on the matter, said the document.

To prepare for the coming Group of 20 summit in South Korean capital of Seoul, the two leaders also discussed topics concerning world economy like combating global financial crisis.

The two sides agreed to learn the lessons of the crisis and strive to promote a stable economic recovery and sustainable growth.

Speaking of the climate change summit in the Mexican city of Cancun later this year, the two leaders reaffirmed the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and spoke highly of the measures against climate change taken by the two governments.

The two countries shared the view that further efforts should be made to achieve substantial progress in the conference.