Premier Li Keqiang vowed that China will “open its door wider” to German businesses on Thursday, Reuters reports, as Chancellor Angela Merkel began her annual visit to Beijing with goals of championing international free trade.
The German leader also plans to take China to task on long-held grievances of Western nations regarding intellectual property and state-owned enterprises. On the back of controversial White House decisions such as the withdrawal of the US from the Iran Deal and Thursday’s announcement to consider tariffs on global auto imports, however, German officials have said Merkel has been pushed even closer to China.
During a joint press conference, Premier Li focused on the two countries’ potential for cooperation despite previous disagreements. “China’s door is open. You can say it will open even wider,” said Li.