Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, met with Schroeder, also a political consultant of a Swiss media group Ringier, and Ringier's owner Michael Ringier in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Li appreciated Schroeder's contribution to the development of China-Germany ties, referring to him as an"old friend" of Chinese people.

He also hailed Sino-Swiss ties and told Michael Ringier that he welcomed the largest media group in Switzerland to further cooperate with Chinese publications and other cultural companies.

"In this way we can promote Chinese culture to an overseas audience, stimulate cultural exchange between China and Europe and preserve the diversity of world culture," Li said.

Schroeder lost power to Angela Merkel on Nov. 22 last year. Enditem

Editor:

Mu Xuequan