On March 2, 2006, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council, as requested, held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Wen made highly positive comments on the close cooperation between China and Germany in various fields, expressed admiration to Germany's new government for continuing its friendly policy on China and stressed the promising prospects of China-Germany relations.

Talking about the Taiwan question, Wen pointed out the decision of the Taiwan authorities to terminate the "national unification council" and the "national unification guidelines" is a reckless provocation against the one-China principle universally observed by the international community and severe damage to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits. Wen called on keeping high alert to the dangerous move of the Taiwan authorities of accelerating the "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities.

Merkel noted the German government attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is satisfied with the close bilateral exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and science and technology. German expects to maintain high-level contacts and exchanges with China and constantly strengthen bilateral dialogue and cooperation.

Merkel reaffirmed the German government unswervingly follows the one-China policy, feels concerned about the latest move of the Taiwan authorities and hopes the Taiwan question gets resolved in accordance with the one-China principle.

On the Iran nuclear issue, Wen said China supports the international nuclear non-proliferation system and advocates the issue be resolved through diplomatic talks. He noted there is still possibility of resolving the issue within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and expressed hope that the concerned parties will show restraint, patience and a constructive attitude in a bid to create conditions for peacefully resolving the issue. China backs the talks and negotiation between the three EU members and Russia and Iran and is willing to keep contacts with concerned parties including Germany.

Merkel said under the current circumstances it is very important to solve the Iran nuclear issue via diplomacy. The EU expects to continue talks with Iran in a bid to keep the issue from deteriorating and Germany will maintain contacts and coordination with China in this regard.