China refutes 'overproduction' concerns in Germany... Exploring cooperation measures between the two countries

President Xi Jinping Meets German Chancellor Scholz

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who visited China leading a delegation of German business representatives, and refuted recent Western concerns about China's overproduction issues.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Photo by Yonhap News

State-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported that President Xi met Chancellor Scholz at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing and said, "China's exports of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar products enrich global supply and alleviate global inflationary pressures," adding, "They contribute to global climate change response and green, low-carbon transition."

President Xi also stated, "Both countries have built their nations through industry (實業立國) and support free trade and economic globalization," adding, "We must be wary of protectionism and approach the issue of production capacity (overproduction) objectively and dialectically based on economic rules, seeking cooperation."

Earlier, Western countries including the United States and the European Union (EU) had pointed out issues of overproduction and industrial disruption related to low-cost Chinese electric vehicles and solar panels. This month, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who visited China, said she would "pressure China to change policies that could threaten U.S. employment."

Amid such checks, President Xi expressed willingness to cooperate with Germany. He emphasized, "There are no conflicts of interest between China and Germany, and neither threatens the other's security," adding, "Cooperation between the two countries benefits not only each nation but the world."

On the same day, Chancellor Scholz said, "Germany is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China to jointly address global challenges such as climate change and to work toward upholding the multilateral international order and promoting world peace and development." He added, "As an important member of the European Union (EU), Germany is willing to play a role in the development of EU-China relations."

The two leaders also exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Zhen stated that the two leaders agreed on these issues and "China and Germany will strive to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, regarding the Ukraine crisis."