Xi noted the necessity of ensuring the equal participation of all parties to lay a solid foundation for peace, addressing the legitimate concerns of all sides to strengthen the will for peace, and achieving common security to build a lasting framework for peace, Xinhua said.

　　This is Merz"s first official visit to China since taking office. He is also the first foreign leader China has received in the Year of the Horse. The visit was described by some German media as probably Merz"s most important visit of the year.

　　In a joint press statement released during the visit on Wednesday, Merz expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for the warm reception extended to him as the first foreign leader to visit China after the Chinese New Year.

　　According to the statement, the Chinese side noted that Germany attaches importance to issues such as "reducing dependence," trade imbalances and export management. The German side has also taken note of China"s concerns regarding the over-securitization of economic and trade issues, as well as export restrictions on high-tech products.

　　Both sides are willing to properly address each other"s concerns through candid and open dialogue, so as to ensure a long-term, balanced, reliable, and sustainable economic and trade relationship, according to the joint statement.

　　"New era" for bilateral ties

　　Before embarking on the two-day trip to China, Merz said in an address at Berlin"s Brandenburg Airport that China has risen into the ranks of the major powers, and the Germany"s China policy must take this into account. No one can bypass China anymore, he stressed, according to a transcript published on the German government"s website.

　　He also admitted during the address that pursuing a policy of decoupling from China would be a mistake and only harm Germany itself.