On the evening of February 15, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a previously arranged telephone call.

Merkel expressed sympathy over the recent snow havoc in southern China. She added that her country is dedicated to developing a strategic partnership with China, reinforcing cooperation in bilateral and international affairs. She said Germany will continue firmly supporting and abiding by the one-China policy and opposing Taiwan's "referendum on UN membership", as well as "Tibet's independence". She wished the Beijing Olympics a great success.

Wen said the Chinese government has always attached importance to the Sino-German relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective. Under the current circumstances, the common interests between the two countries have expanded continuously, and common challenges have also increased, Wen said, adding that the two countries need to strengthen cooperation and deal with new situations jointly. Both sides should make joint efforts to ensure the bilateral ties move forward in a healthy and smooth way under the guidance of the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit without interfering in each other's domestic affairs, Wen said.

Merkel and Wen also exchanged views on issues like the world's economic situation, climate change, and dialogue and cooperation between developing and developed countries.