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Li Qiang and Markus Söder shortly before dinner at the Residenz

Photo: Peter Kneffel / dpa

Shortly before half past seven, Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder stands in the Kaiserhof of the Munich Residence and practices his Chinese: "Nǐ hǎo" for the greeting and "Zàijiàn" for the farewell. Next to him, the head of the State Chancellery, Florian Herrmann, is smiling. They are waiting for China's Premier Li Qiang, who is visiting Munich in addition to Berlin on his first trip abroad.

Even the meeting with Chancellor Scholz was friendly for Li, critical questions from journalists were not welcome at the press conference. Now a banquet in Bavaria is on the agenda, with Söder and top representatives of the German and Bavarian economy. It could be a pleasant evening.

Shortly before, Söder had indicated to the journalists present that the talks with Li might not be so cheerful after all. There are "different opinions" on several topics. About the state system and the rule of law, for example. Even human rights will be addressed in the Bavarian-Chinese talks, assures Söder after a question about the situation of the Uyghurs in the western Chinese province of Xinjiang.

The economy is also at the top of the agenda. Bavaria has three partner provinces in China, and the opening of markets after China's zero-Covid policy is of "crucial importance". Despite all the differences, it is important to cooperate, says the Bavarian Prime Minister. According to Söder, this is also shown by the USA with the recent visit of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Beijing.

Both prime ministers get what they wanted: beautiful pictures

When Li gets out of the delegation car, Söder can make direct use of his quick Chinese briefing. This is followed by a long handshake, the reception of the mountain riflemen and signatures in the guest book of the Bavarian state government. Then two children in traditional costume come and present Li with a bouquet of flowers. Bavarian State Reception.

This gives the two prime ministers what they wanted at this meeting: beautiful pictures. Söder for the state elections in October or even for those federal political ambitions that he repeatedly denies; Li as a contrast to the rather conservative celebrations at the german-Chinese intergovernmental consultations in Berlin.

Li began his first visit to Germany on Monday with a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the capital. This was followed on Tuesday by government consultations with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and ministers from both countries. At the start of the consultations in Berlin, Li was received with military honors.

Since 2018, relations between Germany and China have deteriorated significantly. The increasing restriction of civil liberties in China, the treatment of minorities, but above all Beijing's ambition to become a great power in the Indo-Pacific – including the threats of invasion against Taiwan – have caused great concern in Berlin. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has also led to the German government wanting to reduce its economic dependence on China.

China is also Bavaria's most important foreign trading partner. The Free State of Bavaria operates three foreign representative offices there – more than in any other country. It was not for nothing that dozens of representatives of the Bavarian economy were present at dinner in the magnificent Kaisersaal of the Residenz. On Wednesday, Li's agenda also includes visits to the two DAX companies BMW and Siemens in Bavaria.

Several dozen cheering Chinese

After the entry in the guestbook, Li, Söder and their delegations walk into the residence. In the Kaisersaal, a festive dinner with speeches is on the program. However, only a limited number of German and Chinese journalists can take part. The pool will be "staffed equally in consultation with the Chinese side," according to the reception.

Meanwhile, several dozen young Chinese have gathered in front of the residence, as they did in Berlin in the morning. They wear red baseball caps and wave Chinese and German flags. "That's the fan club," comments a police officer. But they don't want to talk to journalists either.

With material from dpa, collaboration: mgo