German Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck attends a press conference about the spring economic forecasts in Berlin, Germany, on Apr 24, 2024. BEIJING: The German economy minister's visit to China this week will be an opportunity for Europe's biggest economy to seek consensus rather than confrontation, Chinese state media said, amid trade tensions with the European Union over electric vehicles.
The three-day visit is seen as an opportunity for Germany to seek consensus, some experts said, according to Chinese state-controlled tabloid Global Times. Habeck, who has personally spoken out against punitive tariffs as a last resort, had said"China is an indispensable partner for global challenges".
Immediately upon his arrival in Beijing, Habeck is expected to meet with ambassadors of several EU countries and then head into talks with Premier Li Qiang and other officials. He will also meet Industry Minister Jin Zhuanglong and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao before going to Shanghai and Hangzhou.