Beijing, January 28th—Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), held a video call here today with Lars Klingbeil, Co-chair of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of Germany[1] . Song once again extended congratulations to Klingbeil on being elected as SPD Co-chair. Song said, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Chancellor Olaf Scholz not long ago, which charted the course for relations between our two countries. The Chinese side is willing to make joint efforts with the German side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity from a long term perspective, to push China-Germany relations for new achievements. As the ruling parties of the two countries, the CPC is willing to intensify high-level exchanges with the SPD, strengthen exchange of experience in state governance and administration, push forward friendly exchanges between young people, propel practical cooperation at local level, and make new contributions to the development of China-Germany relations.

Song noted, in the face of major changes unseen in a century, China and Europe, as two major forces in the world, play an important role in maintaining world peace and promoting common development. China-Germany cooperation has always been at the forefront of China-Europe cooperation. It is hoped that the SPD will play an important role in European politics, actively lead Europe to form an objective, comprehensive and rational understanding of China, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations. The CPC is willing to work with the SPD to maintain and practice true multilateralism, carry forward the common values of all mankind, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Song also briefed on China's economic and social development and the preparations for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

Klingbeil said that the new German administration attaches great importance to relations with China, and the relationship between the SPD and the CPC is an important part of Germany-China relations. The SPD is ready to maintain close exchanges with the CPC, conduct in-depth dialogues on issues such as diplomacy and security, climate change, digital economy, and artificial intelligence to jointly promote Germany-China relations, safeguard multilateralism, and contribute to the development of Europe-China relations. Klingbeil also spoke positively of China's efforts to prepare for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, wished the Winter Olympics a complete success, and looked forward to good results of the German and Chinese athletes.

Qian Hongshan, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.

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