Germany and China to put relationship on a new footing after a visit by Chancellor Merkel to Beijing

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is on a four day visit to China - which Premier Wen Jiabao said was of "historic significance" for bilateral ties. After their talks Merkel said Germany and China have put their relations on completely new footing. The two countries have signed a number of agreements on trade, energy and the environment - and agreed to have annual joint consultations.