Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a forceful message on regional security, historical responsibility and the future of China’s relations with Europe, Britain and Germany.

Speaking at the “China in the World” session during the 62nd Munich Security Conference, Wang addressed a wide range of issues, from tensions in the Asia-Pacific to China-Europe cooperation, framing China as a pillar of stability in an increasingly turbulent international landscape.

Responding to a question about whether China bears responsibility for rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific, Wang rejected the premise. He argued that, compared with other parts of the world, Asia remains largely peaceful and stable.

Even recent localised disputes, such as clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border, were quickly managed through diplomatic efforts by the parties involved, with China playing what he described as a constructive role. According to Wang, China has become a key force for peace in the region and will continue contributing to regional stability and global security.

At the same time, he warned of what he called “dangerous trends” in Japan. Without naming the prime minister directly, Wang criticised recent remarks by Japanese leadership suggesting that a contingency in the Taiwan Strait could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially justifying collective self-defence measures.

Wang described such comments as unprecedented in the 80 years since the end of World War II and said they directly challenge China’s sovereignty as well as the post-war international order under which Taiwan was returned to China.

Wang stressed that the Taiwan question is at the core of China’s national interests and that China would not accept external interference. He linked current rhetoric in Japan to unresolved historical issues, drawing a sharp comparison between Japan and Germany in their respective approaches to wartime history.

Germany, he added, has undertaken what he described as a comprehensive reckoning with fascism and enacted laws banning the promotion of Nazism. In contrast, Wang said, Japan continues to enshrine Class-A war criminals at the Yasukuni Shrine, where politicians have paid homage in ways that, in his words, would be unthinkable in Europe.

Invoking the lessons of history, Wang argued that failure to fully confront the past could lead to repeated mistakes. He cautioned against what he called lingering militarist thinking and urged vigilance among peace-loving countries.

He also appealed directly to the Japanese public not to be swayed by far-right forces or extreme ideologies, warning that any attempt to return to militaristic paths would ultimately harm Japan itself.

Beyond Asia-Pacific tensions, Wang devoted attention to China’s relationship with Europe. He rejected the characterisation of China as a “systemic rival” to Europe, stressing instead the depth and breadth of bilateral engagement over more than five decades.

Trade between China and Europe now exceeds $20 billion per day, he said, far surpassing total trade volumes in the year before diplomatic ties were established. Hundreds of cooperation mechanisms are currently in operation across multiple sectors.

While acknowledging differences in political systems, values, and development models, Wang insisted that diversity should not translate into confrontation. Differences, he argued, are rooted in distinct histories and cultures and reflect the choices of different peoples.

They should serve as opportunities for mutual learning rather than grounds for rivalry. Quoting Confucius — “the gentleman seeks harmony but not uniformity” — Wang urged China and Europe to approach their relationship with mutual respect and a spirit of harmonious coexistence.

In the face of global uncertainty, Wang called on both sides to uphold multilateralism, defend the authority of the United Nations, oppose unilateral bullying, and resist bloc confrontation. He promoted President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative as a framework for building a more just and equitable international system and invited Europe to work with China toward that goal.

On the sidelines of the conference, Wang also met with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. During their talks, Wang called on China and Britain to implement the consensus reached by their leaders and to continue generating positive momentum in bilateral relations.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council, he said, both countries share responsibility for safeguarding international peace and security. He encouraged regular exchanges, enhanced strategic coordination, and expanded cooperation in areas of mutual interest to support global development and stability.

Separately, Wang met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging Germany to serve as a driving force for pragmatic cooperation between China and Europe and as an anchor of stability in the broader strategic relationship. He expressed support for Germany and Europe’s pursuit of strategic autonomy and self-reliance, themes that Merz had highlighted in his opening speech at the conference.

Wang reaffirmed that China’s international initiatives are aimed at upholding the UN-centered international system. Although he acknowledged that the authority of the UN has faced challenges, he described its role as irreplaceable. He called on China and Germany, as major countries with significant global influence, to shoulder their responsibilities and contribute to world peace and development.

Highlighting the complementarity between the two economies, Wang said that strengthening cooperation is a strategic choice grounded in practical needs. He emphasized China’s commitment to high-level opening-up and said this would create significant opportunities for German businesses. In turn, he expressed hope that Germany would provide a fair and equitable business environment for Chinese companies.

For his part, Merz recognized China’s development achievements and global role, noting the close economic and trade ties between the two countries. He reiterated Germany’s opposition to protectionism and support for free trade, encouraging deeper cooperation and investment. Germany, he added, remains committed to the one-China policy and looks forward to continued high-level exchanges and expanded collaboration.

Across his engagements in Munich, Wang’s message was consistent: China sees itself as a stabilising force committed to multilateralism, open cooperation and historical accountability. At a time of shifting geopolitical currents, he urged vigilance against what he views as destabilising trends while promoting dialogue, partnership, and shared development as the path forward.