China and Germany have both voiced their concerns over rising protectionism globally. How should the two nations deal with such phenomenon?

In the context of a sluggish world economy, trade protectionism and isolationism are on the rise. China will step up consultation with Germany and the EU to demonstrate a positive view of unity, collaboration and reciprocal relations. Last year in Hangzhou, during the G20 Summit, China and Germany worked closely and coordinated with each other toward the final agreement on several major international issues. The Hangzhou Summit’s agenda items were innovating the growth pattern, combating trade protectionism and eliminating economic imbalances. China, Germany and the EU share the same goal. These items will be further discussed in the Hamburg Summit this year. We can see that compared with last year, dramatic changes are taking place, and uncertainties are growing. We will endeavor to negotiate our positions, reach consensus and steer the world on a course of positive and healthy development.

In the field of trade, we hope to work closer with the EU and address disputes properly. It is natural that trade frictions happen. The higher the trade volume, the more frictions will occur. To stop trade disputes completely, we would have to stop trading. We should not lose sight of what we really want. What matters is how we cope with the frictions and whether their outcomes are positive or negative. We should not exaggerate or overstate the negative side. Trade disputes between China and Germany involve trade volumes whose combined value accounts for only 2 percent of that between China and the EU.

These frictions can all be settled through bilateral negotiations. For example, two years