Minister Steinmeier - AHKs

Business Focus
Cover Story
August - September 2008 | 10
The German Chamber of Commerce in China
Sino-German Dialogue Revived
Steinmeier and Chinese officials inject new energy into bilateral relations
The Dialogue on Urbanization
© Goethe-Institut Peking / Jiang Ziwei
German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier’s visit to China in mid-
June reignited talks between the two countries. Stopping first in the
capital, the foreign minister moved on to a Yangtze River boat tour,
attended a conference on urbanization in Chongqing and visited the
earthquake zone. During his visit, Minister Steinmeier covered topics
ranging from business transparency to urbanization. Officials on both
sides approached bilateral talks with a newfound enthusiasm and open,
frank attitude.
Officials Talk Policy Substance in Beijing
In Beijing, Minister Steinmeier’s visit included meetings with Chinese
Premier Wen Jiabao and the State Council’s highest-ranking foreign
policy official, Dai Binguo. Premier Wen spent nearly twenty minutes
detailing China’s effort to create transparent conditions for foreign business;
in its legal framework, in intellectual property protection and in
the ongoing opening of the country - efforts which the German foreign
minister acknowledged gratefully later that day.
Lengthy talks with China’s Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi resulted in the
fundamental recognition that the Sino-German relationship is of great
importance. Calling the enhancement of bilateral relations “a top-priority
item for both the Chinese and German governments” after the
meetings, Minister Yang reinforced Minister Steinmeier’s assessment
that future Sino-German dialogue would be “broad and resilient.” This
improved outlook will allow both parties to handle issues such as visa
requirements and perspectives on the Dalai Lama effectively.
The Sino-German Strategic Dialogue at the Vice-Ministerial level on
security and economic questions, and the Human Rights Talks will be
resumed in the second half of 2008. Furthermore, the talks will be
enhanced with new areas of discussion including climate change and
cooperation on crisis spots in Africa.
Implications for Global Policy
Minister Steinmeier used his stay in Beijing to address broader foreign
policy ideas on a global level. He coined the expression “Verantwor-
tungspartnerschaft” (partnership in shouldering global responsibility)
to characterize his view of future Sino-German relations concerning the
environment, and political and economic issues associated with it.
In a global foreign policy statement, Steinmeier called upon global
powers to “re-measure the world.” He stated that upon doing so, it
would become apparent that the formation of new economic and political
blocks to replace the old would be counterproductive.
He stressed the need for government and society everywhere to be “open
and willing to modernize.” Such openness also entails “open dialogue
between government and society, including the capacity for criticism,”
although he warned that dialogue consisting only of criticism would
quickly turn stale.
Foreign Minister Consults Community Leaders
In addition to talks with political leaders, Minister Steinmeier met
several groups of the Beijing community. At a breakfast held at the
German Embassy, he discussed various issues with 5 civilian leaders
ranging from a university professor to a human rights lawyer. He fielded
tough questions from students on capitalism, democracy, the depiction
of China in the German media, and even the German chancellor herself
at the China Foreign Affairs University.
Finally, he attended the opening of two German art exhibits in Beijing.
The exhibits represent the largest cooperation between German and
Chinese museums ever – the ‘Gerhard Richter’ and ‘Living Landscapes’
exhibits at the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC). His discussions
with community members aim to foster promising ties between the
people of China and Germany on a social and cultural level.
Chongqing Events Continue Candid Discourse
In Chongqing, often dubbed the world’s largest municipality, the
frank manner demonstrated in Beijing was continued during meetings
between Secretary Bo Xilai and Minister Steinmeier. The two-day conference
in Chongqing not only underlined the city’s role as a model for