Germany's Merz pushing China's Xi on support for Ukraine ceasefire

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to support international efforts to get Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, in a first phone call between the two leaders since Merz took office earlier this month.

Merz and Xi assured each other they were open to cooperating on overcoming global challenges, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said after the call on Friday.

China is considered Russia's most important ally, as Moscow has found itself increasingly isolated by Western nations who have been providing Kiev with financial and military support in its defence against the full-scale Russian invasion launched over three years ago.

US efforts under President Donald Trump to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a halt in fighting have so far not produced any significant results.

Merz and Xi also discussed economic relations, Kornelius said, with the German chancellor noting the importance of fair competition.

The two leaders agreed to "soon continue the direct exchange, to develop German-Chinese cooperation further."

Tight-lipped Chinese response

The Chinese side only briefly touched on the Ukraine issue when commenting on the conversation.

Instead, Beijing stressed the importance of mutual relations, with Xi noting that the international situation was increasingly characterized by disorder and change.

The strategic and global significance of relations between China and Germany, as well as between China and Europe, was now even clearer, he reportedly said.

China was ready to open a new chapter in its comprehensive strategic partnership with Germany, according to Xi.

Political trust must be strengthened, and the resilience of bilateral relations increased, the president said, adding that China regards Germany as a partner and welcomes its growth and prosperity.