On May 9, 2023 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang held talks with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin.

Qin Gang said that China and Germany, both major countries with global influence, should strengthen dialogue and cooperation under the current international situation featured with interwoven turmoils. The two sides should join hands to make a good preparation for the seventh round of China-Germany inter-governmental consultation, ensure a good design, accumulate achievements and make comprehensive plans for bilateral practical cooperation in various fields in the future. Facing various global issues and challenges, countries need cooperation rather than confrontation, and mutual respect rather than finger-pointing at each other. China and Germany should stick to the right path, jointly oppose the "new Cold War" and "decoupling economies or severing supply chains", and inject confidence and impetus into world peace and prosperity.

Baerbock said that Germany attaches great importance to bilateral high-level exchanges as well as exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and looks forward to holding the seventh round of Germany-China inter-governmental consultation, which will be the first post-pandemic in-person consultation and the first round of consultation between the new governments of the two countries. Germany is ready to work with China for positive outcomes of the consultation with a focus on joint efforts, sustainability and action, especially in advancing cooperation in climate change, energy transformation, biodiversity, youth exchanges and other fields.

The two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. Qin Gang elaborated on China’s view, stressing that China’s consistent position is to facilitate talks for peace, and to work for the broadest common understanding in the international community for settling the Ukraine crisis. European countries should address both the symptoms and root causes of the crisis, and make efforts for the restoration of peace and security.