On the afternoon of March 31st, the 13th CPC-SPD Dialogue of Foreign Affairs and Security Policies cosponsored by the International Department of CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), Friedrich Ebert Foundation of Germany (FES) and CAFIU was held in Beijing. The theme of the Dialogue is “the changes and adjustment in Chinese and German foreign policies” and “‘The Belt and Road’ initiative and China-Germany, China-EU cooperation”. Mr. M tzenich, Vice-President of the SPD group of the German Bundestag headed a 6-member delegation to attend the Dialogue, five of whom are members of the Bundestag. Mr. Chen Fengxiang, Vice-Minister of IDCPC and Mr. M tzenich addressed the opening ceremony respectively. Professor Jin Canrong, CAFIU’s Council Member and Deputy Director of the School of International Studies, Renmin University, Professor Tang Yongsheng, Executive Deputy Director of the Institute of Strategic Studies, National Defense University, Professor Zha Daojiong from the School of International Studies, Peking University and Professor Cui Hongjian, Director of Dept. for European Studies, China Institute of International Studies and four members of the German Bundestag-Ms. Gl ckner, Mr. Hitschler, Mr. Klingbeil and Ms. Schimdt attended the Dialogue and made themed talks. Mr. Zhang Jianguo, Deputy Director of the Western Europe Bureau of IDCPC, Deputy Secretary-General Zheng Yao of CAFIU and Director Christoph Pohlmann of FES Beijing Office respectively hosted the discussion sessions.

 

Both sides started the discussions from “the changes and adjustment in Chinese and German foreign policies”. Mr. Chen Fengxiang introduced the concept and practice of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, saying that China will play a bigger role as an accountable country in the world, and implement the concept of cooperation and win-win progress. He said that the Dialogue of Foreign Affairs and Security Policies formed an important part of party-to-party exchanges and cooperation between CPC and SPD. He hoped that through the Dialogue, the senior leaders of both parties could strengthen political mutual trust, improve their coordination and cooperation in regional and global affairs, and continuously promote the development of China-Germany and China-Europe relations. Mr. M tzenich introduced the challenges in German foreign policy and responsive measures. He said that the security situation in Europe had been pessimistic since last year, and Germany has made timely adjustment in its foreign policy to push for peaceful solutions to conflicts under the framework of a united Europe. Mr. Jin Canrong thought that the newly-elected leaders of China showed some new diplomatic concepts and thinking, and have started new exploration and practice. In the future, China’s diplomacy will continue with its path of peaceful development, but will adopt more proactive strategies. Mr. Tang Yongsheng reviewed the security situation in the Asian regions recently, saying that China was faced with more external security pressure, as well as the coexistence of opportunities and challenges. Both sides had candid and in-depth exchanges on the Ukraine crisis, the Crimea issue, terrorism, etc., and they agreed that the recent international situation had been complicated with emerging regional conflicts, and the strategic gaming of major countries made the situation more turbulent, posing certain threats to the peace and stability of the world. Both China and Germany should play active roles as accountable major countries, and strengthen their strategic communications and cooperation as a constructive force in resolving regional conflicts and promoting common development.

 

The “Belt and Road” initiative proposed by China also encouraged heated discussions. Both Chinese and German representatives put forward suggestions to the topic of strengthening China-Germany and China-Europe cooperation in the framework of the “Belt and Road” initiative. Mr. Zha Daojiong said that the “Belt and Road” initiative is open-ended and advocates the principle of “consultation, joint building and mutual sharing”, but the real test lies in the implementation of the projects. So we need to conduct research on its feasibility according to the political, economic and cultural backgrounds of the countries along the route. Ms. Schimdt said that the “Belt and Road” initiative is a sound cooperation mode by connecting different countries and different ethnic groups along the route, and is conducive to a multi-polar society and cultural co-existence. Located at both ends of the Silk Road, Germany and China need a stable international environment and an open international market. Professor Cui Hongjian said that both China and Europe are peaceful constructive forces, and the “Belt and Road” initiative will generate new power to China-Germany and China-Europe cooperation. Mr. Goedhart suggested boosting mutual understanding in building the “Belt and Road”, and improving security in regions along the route to ensure the smooth operation of certain projects. He said that Germany was willing to share its own experience with China on regional cooperation, and discuss cooperation mechanisms and conflict settlement issues with China.

 

The participants also exchanged opinions on human rights policy, China-EU investment agreement, internet security, EU’s Central Asia policy and other issues. They agreed that the high-level dialogue improved understanding and trust between China and Germany, expanded consensus, and could help improve mutual understanding and friendship between both peoples, deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership of the two countries, and contribute to peace and development of the world with joint efforts.