In the evening of March 9, 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping held telephone talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at her request.

Xi Jinping spoke highly of China-Germany relations. He said, I am looking forward to the coming state visit to Germany, exchanging in-depth views with Chancellor Merkel on bilateral relations as well as international and regional topics of common interest. I welcome Chancellor Merkel to pay a visit to China this year.

Merkel said that the German government and people are looking forward to President Xi Jinping's visit and is now busy preparing for it. It is sure that the visit will score a success, to facilitate further development of Germany-China strategic partnership.

Merkel expressed her condolences for the incident of loss of contact of Malaysia Airlines flight. Xi Jinping said, the Chinese side is keeping close contact with Malaysia and other countries concerned, sparing no efforts in search and rescue. We will never give up efforts for saving lives.

Merkel briefed Germany's views on the current situation in Ukraine and its mediation efforts. She expressed that the German side expects to seek a proper settlement of the issue through dialogue. The German side attaches importance to China's role and is willing to enhance communication with the Chinese side.

Xi Jinping pointed out, the current situation in Ukraine is very complicated and highly sensitive, which requires comprehensive consideration and evaluation to deal with. The Chinese side is also following the situation closely. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to come up with a political solution to the differences through dialogues and negotiations within the framework of law and order, so as to prevent further escalation of the tension. The Chinese side supports the constructive efforts and the mediation made by the international community to ease the tension. Hope that the German side would keep communication with other parties concerned and play its constructive role. China is willing to keep contact with Germany.