On February 12, 2017, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President-elect Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany.

Xi Jinping pointed out in his congratulatory message that at present, China-Germany relations have stepped into a high-level development stage. Both sides have maintained close high-level exchanges and cooperation in all fields is gradually deepening. Strengthening China-Germany cooperation not only benefits the improvement of the two peoples' well-being, but is also conducive to the promotion of world peace, stability as well as prosperity. I am willing to make joint efforts with you to push China-Germany all-round strategic partnership for better development.