'Tough balancing act': Chinese, German leaders hold talks

Chancellor Olaf Scholz hosted Premier Li Qiang for talks on Tuesday, seeking to recalibrate cooperation between Germany and China after Berlin branded Beijing a “systemic rival”.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz hosted Premier Li Qiang for talks on Tuesday, seeking to recalibrate cooperation between Germany and China after Berlin branded Beijing a "systemic rival".

Mr. Li is on his first trip abroad since he was named Premier in March and tasked with shoring up China's sputtering post-COVID economy.

But unlike previous visits by Chinese dignitaries, when pragmatic German leaders eager to expand business ties with the Asian giant rolled out the red carpet, Mr. Li's trip comes as Germany is rushing to diversify its trading partners.

Burned by its reliance on Russian gas and hurt by supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, Germany is intensifying its efforts to "de-risk" from China.

Meeting Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday, Mr. Li said China was ready to work with Germany to contribute to "global stability and prosperity".

Mr. Li was given a full military honours welcome by Mr. Scholz on Tuesday, but when they sit down for talks, Germany's first national security strategy, published days ago, will set the tone.

The blueprint accused China of acting against German interests, putting international security "under increasing pressure" and disregarding human rights.