Germany and China Foreign Ministers Hold Call to De-escalate Tensions

The Foreign Ministers of Germany and China held a phone call in an effort to de-escalate tensions that arose from China's decision to ban microchip exports to Europe.

German Minister Johann Wadephul spoke with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, at Berlin's request. According to German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Giese, the two sides agreed on the upcoming visit of the German Foreign Minister to China.

During the call, which focused on foreign security, political and economic issues, Wang Yi reiterated that the issue of Taiwan is an internal affair of China. He also expressed his support for the German Foreign Minister's visit to China 'at the appropriate time'.

The German Foreign Minister's planned visit to China was postponed in October, as announced by German Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Kathrin Dessauer.