Germany, China to develop relations, hold joint cabinet meeting

Germany and China said Friday that they plan to develop their relationship, including holding a joint meeting of their cabinets later this year, despite differences of opinion on human rights and other issues. Visiting German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi spoke of a "strategic partnership" between their two countries following their meeting in Beijing.
But differences were especially apparent on the issues of human rights and freedom of the press. Westerwelle demanded that German reporters in China be allowed to work "unhindered." China's foreign minister promised "to facilitate their work according to the law." "We also expect that they obey the laws and rules in this country". In recent weeks the Chinese authorities have clamped down on journalists who have tried to report on the opposition movement.