On April 11, 2022, Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang held a virtual meeting with German Federal Minister of Education and Research Bettina Stark-Watzinger. The two ministers had an in-depth exchange of views on implementation of the consensus between the two heads of state, alignment of strategic plans for science, technology and innovation (STI), and practical efforts to promote bilateral STI cooperation.

Minister Wang Zhigang said that since the inauguration of the new German federal government, the two heads of state have spoken to each other on several occasions, pointing the direction for deepening the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Germany diplomatic ties, and the two countries will hold a new round of government consultations. The science and technology authorities of the two countries are actively carrying out innovation cooperation in areas such as carbon neutrality and innovation strategy and policy, and providing scientific and technological support to tackling global challenges. China stands ready to work with Germany to actively explore cooperation in areas of mutual interest, deepen STI cooperation, and promote the integration of industry, academia, research and application.

Minister Stark-Watzinger echoed Minister Wang Zhigang’s views and noted that science and technology cooperation is an important part of China-Germany relations. She stated that Germany is willing to further strengthen cooperation with China to create a favorable environment for cooperation between researchers from both countries, and jointly support the deepening of exchanges and cooperation in areas such as climate protection and innovation strategy and policy, so as to play a positive role in countering global challenges.

 

The two sides agreed to organize expert seminars in the fields of carbon neutrality and innovation strategy and policy.

Other participants of the virtual meeting included Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation Dai Gang, Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology for Social Development Zhu Xuehua, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Strategy and Planning Xing Huaibin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation Zhao Jing, and Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation Chen Linhao (Minister Counsellor-designate of the Chinese Embassy in Germany) of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, and Minister Counsellor Zhang Junhui and Science and Technology Counsellor Sun Guowang of the Chinese Embassy in Germany, as well as Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research Frithjof A. Maennel, and Deputy Director of the Economic Section Ole Grogro and Science and Technology Counsellor Andrea Heyn of the German Embassy in China.