Merkel, Xi Say Goodbye With Chat on German-Chinese Relations

(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the European Union’s stalled investment accord with China, human rights and other issues in a “farewell” bilateral talk.

Preparation for the G-20 summit, fighting climate change and grappling with the global pandemic were also discussed in the video conference on Wednesday, Martina Fietz, Merkel’s deputy spokeswoman, said in a statement issued by the chancellery.

Merkel spearheaded the EU’s landmark investment deal with China -- clinched at the end of last year -- which raised tensions with the incoming U.S. administration under President Joe Biden. The pact remains in limbo because of sanctions imposed on European lawmakers.  

Merkel will leave office after the next government is formed in Berlin, with Social Democrat Olaf Scholz  -- the winner of last month’s election by a tight margin -- aiming to forge a three-way coalition by the end of the year. The parties have said little about how they plan to manage relations with China.

During the virtual meeting, both Merkel and Xi noted that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries. 

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