Chinese premier promises reforms

BERLIN New Chinese Premier Li Keqiang says his government wants to attract foreign companies and is willing to undertake reforms to promote investment.

Speaking Monday after meeting Economy Minister Philipp Roesler, Li said foreign companies needed to be able to expect fair competition and protection for their patents and copyrights.

The dpa news agency reports Li said: "China will not deviate from promoting reforms and opening to the outside."

Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed after meeting Li Sunday that Germany would work to avoid a trade war by using its economic clout to block the European Union from imposing punitive tariffs on Chinese products like solar panels.

Merkel spokesman Steffen Seibert says the chancellor also discussed human rights and artistic freedom with Li. He gave no details of Li's response.