A diplomatic visit is in progress between the world’s second and fourth-largest economies.
China’s number two official—China’s Premier Li Qiang—arrived in Germany Monday. It’s his first overseas trip since taking office in March.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed him in Berlin.
Li and his delegation will meet with his German counterpart Chancellor Olaf Scholz and their German counterparts on Tuesday. Both German and Chinese officials will also meet business representatives.
The visit follows the release of Germany’s first national security strategy last week.
In it, Berlin says it sees Beijing as “a partner, competitor, and systemic rival.” Also noting that the Chinese communist party poses a “growing threat.”
China remains Germany’s number one trade partner, followed by the U.S.
After departing Germany, Li will head to Paris for the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact—running June 22nd to 23rd.