China willing to import more German goods, Premier Li says

China is willing to import more high-quality German products, its Premier Li Qiang told visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday, as the two countries seek to shore up trade ties amid rising protectionism between Europe and Beijing. * Li also urged the two countries to firmly uphold free trade and open cooperation, according to a readout released by the Chinese foreign ministry late on Friday. * China is willing to work with Germany to use intergovernmental consultation mechanisms to expand cooperation in autos, chemicals, artificial intelligence, digital and green industries, Li said. * Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday urged Germany to pursue a "rational, pragmatic and friendly" policy towards China, using talks with Steinmeier to push for closer ties despite growing trade frictions between Beijing and Europe.