German foreign minister to visit China next week after rescheduling

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is set to travel to China next week to compensate for a previously postponed trip at the end of October, which was delayed due to the absence of confirmed high-level meetings. During his visit, Wadephul will continue discussions initiated with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during their July meeting in Berlin, according to a Foreign Office spokesperson.

Among the topics expected to be on the agenda are China's export restrictions on rare earth elements, which have been affecting German and European businesses. In addition to Wang Yi, Wadephul is scheduled to meet with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party Central Committee.

Originally, Wadephul was to visit China on October 2728, but he postponed the trip after Beijing confirmed only the meeting with Wang Yi. The rescheduled visit is anticipated to also address European security concerns, particularly in light of ongoing negotiations between the United States and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. While China maintains a neutral stance, Western nations have criticized it for perceived support of Moscow.

Other topics Wadephul plans to discuss include developments in the Middle East, the South China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait, where Western officials have expressed concern over China's increasingly assertive actions. The minister will also focus on human rights issues and enhancing bilateral cooperation between Germany and China.

Author: Logan Reeves