China’s ambassador to Germany called for Europe to be more open to Chinese investment, urging deeper cooperation in areas such as electric cars and 5G technology after a series of clashes.

Berlin is in the process of reassessing its relationship with China, a country it dubs both a partner and a rival.

As part of that process, Germany’s interior ministry has proposed forcing telecoms operators to curb their use of equipment made by China’s Huawei (HWT.UL) and ZTE, a move Huawei has criticised as the “politicisation” of cyber security.

“We hope that Europe will show more openness and self-confidence on the issue of electromobility and Huawei’s [RIC:RIC:HWT.UL] 5G technology,” Wu Ken said at a reception in Berlin late on Thursday to mark the 74th anniversary of the founding of modern China.

“China is in any case prepared to deepen a cooperation with Europe and Germany in which all parties profit.”

Germany’s interior ministry proposed the retroactive changes to 5G networks after a review highlighted Germany’s reliance on Chinese suppliers.