Steinmeier begins first German presidential state visit to China in nearly eight years; talks with Xi set for 30 October.
Xinhua reported that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Hefei, Anhui, on 27 October to begin a state visit, the first by a German president in nearly eight years. The German presidential office's programme runs 26–31 October: Li Hongzhang's former residence, Luogang Park and Volkswagen China Technology Company's R&D centre in Hefei on the 27th; Huangshan on the 28th; a speech at Peking University on the 29th; and on the 30th meetings with Zhao Leji and Li Qiang and a welcome ceremony and talks with Xi Jinping. DW reported that the visit coincides with the CPC's Fifth Plenum and that the delegation includes the director of MERICS, which Beijing has sanctioned; Berlin is expected to raise China's role regarding the war in Ukraine. dpa said Steinmeier wants fair trade relations that benefit both sides and reduce imbalances.
Read full issue →