“Historical Memories and Responsibilities of Our Time”
Embassy Symposium on Sino-German Relations, December 12, 2025
January 29th, 2026
On December 12, the Chinese Embassy in Berlin convened a symposium entitled “China Germany Relations: Historical Memories and Responsibilities Of Our Time,” held under the guiding motto “More Cooperation, More Joint Development, More Sharing of Opportunities.” The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Deng Hongbo
Additional contributions were provided by Thomas Rabe, grandson of John Rabe, widely known as the “Good German of Nanjing,” Joe Kaeser, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Siemens Energy, the distinguished sinologist Ulrike Unschuld, and international relations expert Eberhard Sandschneider. The event brought together approximately 40 representatives from diverse sectors across Germany for in-depth dialogue and exchange.
In his remarks, Ambassador Deng Hongbo reviewed the history of friendly engagement and the evolution of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 53 years ago. He underscored that mutual support constitutes an important element of the historical memory of Sino-German relations, while mutual benefit and win-win cooperation form their essential foundation. He further noted that peaceful development represents a shared value orientation of both sides, and that mutual respect serves as the fundamental principle guiding bilateral interaction.
Ambassador Deng emphasized the importance of preserving and carrying forward these valuable experiences, maintaining a partnership-oriented perspective and fair mutual understanding, deepening trust through cooperation, and identifying new opportunities for joint development in order to open a new chapter in relations between China and Germany.
Ambassador Deng Hongbo also elaborated on China’s fundamental position on the Taiwan question. He cautioned against what he described as problematic statements by certain current Japanese leaders regarding Taiwan and noted that, in his view, Japan has yet to fully address its historical responsibility for past aggression, even 80 years after the end of the Second World War. Ambassador Deng expressed the hope that Germany would continue to understand and support China’s legitimate position, adhere firmly to the One China principle, oppose any form of historical revisionism, and work jointly to uphold international fairness and justice as well as the post-war international order.
German participants shared moving accounts of historical instances of mutual support between China and Germany, including the courageous actions of John Rabe in providing shelter to Chinese civilians during the Second World War and the refuge offered to Jewish families in Shanghai. They emphasized that this shared history merits continued remembrance by the peoples of both countries. The speakers further noted that China and Germany should build upon their long-standing friendship, expand exchanges and mutual learning, deepen win-win cooperation, and thereby jointly promote development and contribute to the advancement of peace.
