Germany's Scholz after meeting China's Li: direct talks more important than usual

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said direct talks between world leaders was more important than ever in light of a challenging global environment after meeting with China's Premier Li Qiang in Berlin on Tuesday.

"Direct dialogue, personal talks, a real discussion - all of that is more important than usual in this unusual time full of global challenges and crises," said Scholz.

Scholz said that the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains worldwide, showed that Germany needed to work closely with China on a range of issues also including health.