Germany urges China to open its markets step by step

Germany expects China to gradually open up its markets to foreign companies, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Wednesday in Berlin where he hosted his Chinese counterpart.

"I have assertively said that for us Germans and Europeans it is clear that China must open its markets step by step and that we do not expect that China will become an open economy just like the German economy from one day to another," Gabriel said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China would open up further to create a more friendly corporate environment for foreign investors.