国内英语新闻:Wen, Merkel discuss bilateral relations in phone conversation

BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Thursday that China and Germany should join hands to combat trade and investment protectionism.

    The premier made the remark during a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in which the two leaders also discussed bilateral ties and other issues of common concern.

    Wen said cooperation between China and Germany, both among the world's major economies, is developing smoothly in a variety of fields.

    He said the two sides should continue to handle their relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and keep up high-level exchanges. The two nations, Wen said, also should strengthen communications and coordination to push for a healthy and stable development of their bilateral ties.

    China, Wen said, always adheres to a win-win strategy in opening to the outside world and insists on the maintenance of a fair and open market environment. He said China would never discriminate against foreign enterprises or products.

    The premier said China's determination to cope with climate change is firm, its operations active, and its measures effective. China, Wen said, is ready to enhance collaboration with Germany in developing new and renewable energy and maximizing energy efficiency.

    China also will participate in related negotiations and work with other countries to help bring about positive results at the December UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Wen said.

    Merkel said Germany is very satisfied with the development of China-Germany relations. She said Germany is ready to work with China to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen trade and economic cooperation, and oppose trade and investment protectionism.

    Germany also is prepared to jointly deal with the challenges brought about by the global financial crisis and advance bilateral ties, she said.

    Merkel said she hoped that the two countries would strengthen communications and jointly tackle the issue of climate change.