Wang Yi urges German support on Taiwan during Berlin's appeal for supply chain certainty

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Germany to uphold the One-China principle regarding Taiwan during a meeting with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Beijing on Monday.

Wang stated the principle is an important political foundation for bilateral relations and allows "absolutely no room" for ambiguity, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout. The meeting occurred as Wadephul appealed for an end to uncertainty disrupting Chinese shipments of semiconductors and rare earths vital to European manufacturers.

Wadephul's visit comes amid prolonged trade tensions and Beijing's export controls on key materials. "In all of these areas there has been uncertainty, and that needs to be eliminated," he said. He noted "quite a lot of work" was still needed for German firms to obtain new rare earth licences from Beijing.

The German foreign minister said talks were open and intensive, paving the way for a visit by Chancellor Friedrich Merz early next year. His delegation included Hildegard Mueller, head of Germany's VDA car industry association.

Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said China "values German concerns" over export controls and chips but stated "the most urgent task" was for the Dutch government to stop "improper administrative interference" to stabilize the semiconductor supply chain.

On broader geopolitical issues, Wadephul was expected to address European security interests, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Wang Yi reiterated China's position: "China supports all efforts conducive to peace and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard."

The discussions reflect Berlin's effort to balance a firmer stance on trade and geopolitical disputes with China while preserving a fundamental economic relationship with its top trade partner. Last month, Germany established an expert committee to advise parliament on security-relevant trade relations with China.