The Prime Minister has a Ph.D. in physics, and I think of how to better promote the development of Sino-German relations from the "Three Laws of Newtonian Mechanics". First, firmly grasp the "inertia" of Sino-German cooperation. Cooperation is the main theme and general direction of Sino-German relations, and the two sides must unswervingly adhere to it. It is necessary to continue to strengthen high-level exchanges, make good use of mechanisms such as government consultations and strategic dialogues, and continuously enhance strategic mutual trust. The second is to enhance the "acceleration" of China-Germany relations by deepening practical cooperation. China is promoting adjustment through reform and development through adjustment. We are confident that we will achieve sustained and healthy economic development and provide more opportunities for Sino-German cooperation. The two countries should strengthen their sense of partnership and opportunities, and continue to expand the convergence of interests and deepen practical cooperation in the spirit of mutual benefit and common development. The third is to reduce the "reaction force" in the development of bilateral relations. The two sides should focus on common interests, seek common ground while reserving small differences, and reduce resistance to the development of bilateral relations.

——Speaking at a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in St. Petersburg (September 6, 2013)

Further reading:

Newton, born in 1643, was a famous English physicist and an "encyclopedic" genius. In 1687, he published the book "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy", which was the culmination of the first scientific revolution. The description of gravitation and the three laws of motion laid the foundation for the scientific view of the physical world for the next three centuries and became the basis of modern engineering.

Newton's Three Laws of Mechanics, also known as "Newton's Three Laws of Motion", include Newton's First Law of Motion, Newton's Second Law of Motion, and Newton's Third Law of Motion. The first law explains the meaning of force: force is what changes the state of motion of an object; The second law states the effect of force: force causes an object to gain acceleration; The third law reveals the nature of force: force is an interaction between objects.

Newton's three laws of motion are the basis of the entire classical physics and even of modern science. Albert Einstein once commented: "Newtonian mechanics is the foundation of the whole of physics, and at the same time the foundation of modern science, without Newtonian mechanics there would be no modern science." It can be seen that Newtonian mechanics occupies an extraordinary place in physics, and Newton's three laws of motion are the three pillars of classical mechanics, because almost all theorems or laws in classical mechanics must be based on them.

Some people call Newton's contribution to modern science the "Newtonian Revolution". Newton delved into the work of Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Descartes, Hooke, and Huygens, carefully selecting valuable ideas and transforming them, completing the revolution that marked the birth of the modern exact sciences. That's why Newton said that if I see farther than others, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants.

In September 2013, Xi Jinping came to St. Petersburg, Russia, to attend the 8th G20 Leaders' Summit. During his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, he used the "Three Laws of Newtonian Mechanics" to explain the general direction, new opportunities and possible problems of Sino-German relations. Merkel holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Leipzig and has been a researcher before entering politics. Using Newtonian mechanics as a metaphor is not only a reasonable play taken from Western culture, but also reflects the respect for Merkel's education. Xi Jinping also has a metaphor, "Developing Sino-German relations is like driving a car, you must see far in order to be safe and smooth." As long as we both refuel and take the steering wheel, the car of Sino-German cooperation will be able to run fast and steadily, and drive towards a bright future." With a more macro and long-term vision to lay out a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations, the wheel of Sino-German cooperation will turn faster and better.