"Germany and China - Moving Ahead Together", a campaign that aims to introduce modern Germany to people in China, was launched in August 2007. Under the joint patronage of German President Dr. Horst Kohler and Chinese President Hu Jintao, the campaign is scheduled to tour China until 2010.

The core activity of the campaign is the setting up of a "Germany Esplanade": a little village of pavilions that presenting German culture, art and literature as well as leading German companies in the field of environmental protection and development of sustainable energy resources. The message of the campaign is clear: Germany invites China to a reciprocal search for solutions to the pressing issues of our age.

The opening ceremony of the "Germany Esplanade" was held in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, in October. Dr. Michael Schaefer, the newly appointed German ambassador to China, spoke with Beijing Review about the significance of the campaign as well as Sino-German prospects during his term.

Beijing Review: What was the initial idea behind the campaign? What kind of message is it supposed to convey to China?

Dr. Michael Schaefer: We would like to present Germany - a country with a powerful economy and rich culture - in all its diversity, as a creative, innovative and open society developed within Europe in the last five decades. Germany is ready to share concepts and solutions to tackle a number of chronic problems, domestically and internationally. This is the message we expect to reach as many Chinese people as possible.

The campaign, in my opinion, is not merely a presentation of the achievements in Germany's industry or society, but also the organization of a lasting get-together to discuss difficult global issues. We would like to face challenges as well as move ahead together with China, just as the title suggests.

Was there any specific reason to choose Nanjing as the first stop of the campaign?

Nanjing, as the six-time capital city of ancient China, plays an important role in China. Moreover, Germany and Nanjing are no strangers to each other, because we cultivated a long-lasting relationship with Jiangsu Province in the fields of education and business. It was therefore essential for us to start our nationwide campaign right here in Nanjing.

Recent decades have seen an increase in Sino-German exchanges, such as meetings among academicians, exchanges between students, forums for experts, etc. These events are very important, but their range is limited by the number of people involved. Through the campaign, we would like to address a wider public-the ordinary Chinese people-with interesting facts about Germany. To this end, we invite ordinary people to discuss questions dealing with today and tomorrow; we are in search of viable solutions as well as partners who are willing to take the road together with us. That is basically the reason we are not presenting the "Germany Esplanade" solely in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but also in provincial centres of growing importance.

How do you perceive current Sino-German relations, and how do you think bilateral relations can be strengthened?

I am sure that China's rapid economic development and overall dynamics, as well as its cultural variety, will make this nation one of the major powers in the world.

We, as the Federal Government of Germany, are interested in identifying areas of fruitful cooperation. There are a lot of problems already shared by us on a global scale; issues like climate change can only be solved by mutual agreement and cooperation. Our intention is to contribute to the solution of these pressing issues.

From my perspective, Sino-German relations have been standing on broad, solid ground for more than 35 years. Today we should focus on the common goal of resolving demanding issues -- such as climate change -- that the future is posing on us all. China and Germany as leading powers in their regions ought to actively contribute to solve these issues.

It seems that member states of the European Union prefer to cultivate bilateral relations with China separately, rather than as a Union. What are your views on this?

I am European to the core. The future of our countries lies in the European Community. This is especially true for the huge challenges lying ahead of us.

Given Europe's background of a very difficult history, a history of war and seemingly insurmountable conflicts, for almost 150 years, it is obvious that no country standing by itself is able to address these issues. Not even a community of several states can solve any of these problems. International cooperation is absolutely essential to guarantee ongoing economic growth, by securing access to energy resources and safeguarding our natural environment at the same time. Only by acting as a union was Europe able to face these challenges. That is the reason the future of Europe lies within a unified Europe. I am convinced that the future will bring us a strategic partnership between Europe and China.

In addition, there will be a very important summit between China and the EU in November. Europe will become a hot topic in China at the time. Europe is built on the diversity of her member states. We are proud of this variety of cultures, languages, traditions we have been developed over centuries. We should keep and foster these traditions and show them to the public abroad. China, with all its fascinating regions and diverse cultures, is not in a very different situation when it represents itself abroad.

What will your major tasks be as ambassador to China?

I'd like to be an ambassador of both Germany and Europe to China. This sort of "double identity" we will explain to the Chinese public for years to come. There are immense varieties of topics and challenges, and I am ready to try my best to accomplish the goal of deepening mutual understanding between Germany and China.

If I may single out one subject, I would like to emphasize the exchange between the young generations of our two nations. A growing number of youths should meet and know each other, should learn to understand a diverse and fascinating culture and different lifestyles. The ultimate goal is not only an exchange of ideas and the creation of mutual understanding, but also laying the groundwork for the future. This will encourage the development of a global society essential for us to face the challenges of modern age.

Profile of Dr. Michael Schaefer

Born in 1949 in Germany. Awarded a Ph.D. in International Law from Max Planck Institute for International Public Law, Heidelberg, and University of Mannheim in 1980. Special Envoy to South Eastern Europe and Deputy Political Director, Berlin (2001-2002). Appointed Germany's ambassador to China in 2007.