# Germany-China diplomatic and trade relations > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/germany-china-diplomatic-and-trade-relations > Updated: 2026-11-01T09:21:55.000Z. Sources: 58. Developments: 3. During a state visit to China, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addressed economic imbalances and the necessity of a rules-based international order. Speaking at Peking University, Steinmeier noted that while Germany does not seek economic decoupling, European companies face limited market access in China while state-subsidized Chinese products enter European markets. He also urged China to use its influence to help end the war in Ukraine. Following these remarks, President Steinmeier met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi Jinping characterized the European Union as a partner and suggested that differences be resolved through dialogue. He called on Germany to provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese firms. Steinmeier reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to the ‘One China’ policy and advocated for free trade and adherence to World Trade Organization rules to combat protectionism. In subsequent meetings, President Xi emphasized that China and Germany should act as partners to promote a stable global economy and a multipolar world order. President Steinmeier expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation in science, technology, artificial intelligence, and environmental protection. Regarding the war in Ukraine, Steinmeier reported that President Xi expressed no interest in a tripartite summit involving China, Russia, and the United States. Xi characterized the situation as a European conflict that requires Europeans to be present at the negotiating table. Specifically, Steinmeier noted that Xi expressed visible irritation when the possibility of a trilateral summit with the US and Russia was raised. While Vladimir Putin originally suggested such a meeting to discuss nuclear disarmament, and US President Donald Trump indicated openness to the format, Xi maintained that the conflict is a European matter. ## Claims - Xi Jinping has no interest in a trilateral summit with Russia and the US to discuss Ukraine. (reported by 18 sources) - Xi Jinping described the war in Ukraine as a European conflict. (reported by 18 sources) - The APEC summit is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen in mid-November. (reported by 18 sources) - Steinmeier observed visible irritation on Xi Jinping's face when the Ukraine summit was mentioned. (reported by 17 sources) - Vladimir Putin proposed a meeting to discuss nuclear disarmament. (reported by 10 sources) - Donald Trump expressed openness to a meeting that could include discussions on the Ukraine war. (reported by 10 sources) - President Xi Jinping met with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beijing. (reported by 9 sources) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. (reported by 5 sources) - Xi Jinping called for Germany to provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies. (reported by 4 sources) - Steinmeier advocated for free trade and the rules of the World Trade Organization. (reported by 3 sources) - US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced a new round of talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the USA for next Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. (reported by 3 sources) - China agreed to restrict electric vehicle exports to the EU for four years during recent consultations. (reported by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-01: Xi Jinping rejects trilateral Ukraine summit with US and Russia Chinese President Xi Jinping has rejected a proposed trilateral summit with the US and Russia regarding Ukraine, stating the war is a European conflict that requires European involvement in negotiations. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chancellor-stocker-leads-austrian-business-delegation-to-china ### 2026-10-30: Xi Jinping meets German President Steinmeier in Beijing Chinese President Xi Jinping and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier met in Beijing to discuss trade, technology, and economic cooperation, emphasizing dialogue to resolve existing differences. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xi-jinping-and-steinmeier-meet-in-beijing-to-discuss-china-eu-relations ### 2026-10-27: Steinmeier calls for fair trade during China state visit German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for fair trade and a rules-based international order during his state visit to China, warning against European economic dependency on Beijing. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/frank-walter-steinmeier-calls-for-rules-based-order-in-beijing-speech --- Cite as: Germany-China diplomatic and trade relations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/germany-china-diplomatic-and-trade-relations