Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for closer economic cooperation with Germany, which is trying to reduce its dependence on the Asian giant, during a visit to Berlin on Tuesday, AFP reported.

“Global economic recovery lacks growth dynamics. China and Germany, as big and influential countries, should cooperate even more closely for the sake of world peace and development,” Li Qiang said at a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The Chinese official also assured that Beijing attaches great importance to EU-China ties and would like to cooperate with Germany to develop these ties.

The chancellor hosted the Chinese premier for delicate talks in the context of a realignment of German diplomacy towards China, which remains its main trading partner.

On Tuesday, the European Commission unveiled its strategy to respond more decisively to risks to its economic security, targeting China in particular.

Germany is now taking a more critical tone towards the Asian giant than in the past, especially under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, when Germany was primarily seeking to strengthen trade relations with China.

“Balanced” partnerships

Europe’s biggest economy wants to diversify its partners to “reduce the risks” of its overdependence on China, but it cannot do without the Chinese market, which is crucial to its powerful industry.

And the road to greater sovereignty is still long, given the country’s dependence on China for energy transition materials and electronic components.

“Germany is counting on the expansion of economic relations in Asia. We don’t want to lock in on one partner, but we want balanced partnerships,” Olaf Scholz said at a press conference, while assuring that Berlin is “not interested” in economic isolation from China.