On December 7, 2011, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle held the second round of China-Germany Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue in Berlin.

Yang said the world today is undergoing profound changes and the international community pays more attention to cooperation and development. Despite encountering difficulties at the moment, Europe is still an important force in the international community, Yang said. China and Germany have maintained growth and their influence in international affairs has been rising. He urged the two sides to seize the opportunity presented by the international situation as well as the future development of the two countries to continue to promote long-term stable development of bilateral strategic partnership. On bilateral relations, Yang said experience since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly 40 years ago has proved that the direct and close contacts between leaders of the two countries played an important role in guiding the development of the Sino-German relations. Both sides should understand and support each other on major issues concerning national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mutual respect and trust is the basis for the development of bilateral relations while common interest is an important driving force to promote bilateral cooperation. Both sides should take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year to promote high-level mutual visits, expand economic and trade cooperation, deepen humanities exchanges, and enhance dialogue and communications on the basis of mutual respect, so as to push for the comprehensive development of Sino-German relations. Yang also noted that China attaches great importance to the EU's role and status in the international affairs and fully backs the European integration process, expressing hope that Germany will continue to play a positive role in advancing China-EU relations.

As EU's comprehensive strategic partner and major trade partner, China has confidence in Europe and the euro, and is willing to work with the international community to continue to support, in various ways, EU's efforts to tackle the sovereign debt crisis. The stability and growth of Europe's economy could benefit all countries in the world, and China is willing to work with Germany to carry forward the spirit of mutual assistance and contribute to promoting world economic recovery and growth.

Westerwelle expressed gratitude for China's participation in the international conference on Afghanistan held in Bonn, and the appreciation for China's constructive role in pressing ahead with the peaceful reconstruction process in Afghanistan. Germany values its relations with China, as both sides have carried out expansive and intensive dialogue and cooperation in political, economic, cultural and many other fields, Westerwelle said, adding that Germany is ready to take advantage of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties to further tap the potentials for bilateral cooperation, and elevate the relations between the two countries. Germany adheres to the one-China policy and will continue to play an active role in promoting EU-China relations. He thanked China for its firm support of EU's efforts to overcome the debt crisis. As to maintain stability of the euro is conducive to the world economy, all countries should work together to cope with the crisis.

The two sides also discussed international issues of common concern. Following the dialogue, the two foreign ministers jointly met with the journalists.