German foreign minister to make rescheduled China visit next week

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul plans to travel to China next week to make up for a visit that was postponed at the end of October due to a lack of high-level appointments.

The minister will continue the dialogue he began with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during his visit to Berlin in July at a meeting with him on Monday, a spokesman for the Foreign Office said on Friday in Berlin.

China's export limits on rare earths, which are having a negative impact on German and European companies, are expected to be amongst the issues discussed.

In addition to Wang, Wadephul plans to meet Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party Central Committee Liu Haixing.

Wadephul had planned to make his first visit to China on October 27 and 28. A few days before departure, however, he scrapped his plans, explaining that Beijing had not confirmed any further appointments apart from a meeting with Wang.

Wadephul's belated trip to the People's Republic is also expected to focus further on European security interests, given the negotiations between the United States and Russia on ending Russia's war against Ukraine.

Although China repeatedly emphasizes its neutrality, it is criticized in the West for supporting Moscow.

Wadephul will also address the situation in the Middle East, the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, the spokesman added. The West accuses China of increasingly aggressive actions in the region.

The minister also intends to address human rights compliance and bilateral cooperation.