Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel in St Petersburg, Russia, Sept 6, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

ST PETERSBURG - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday hailed the smooth development of China-Germany relations by citing Newton's laws of motion during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of a G20 summit here.

Xi told Merkel, who got a doctorate degree in physics, that Newton's first law of motion, or law of inertia, applies to the cooperation between Beijing and Berlin. He urged both sides to unswervingly promote high-level exchanges and intergovernmental dialogues, so as to enhance strategic mutual trust for a constant advancement of bilateral cooperation.

Besides, China and Germany, Xi said, should deepen substantial cooperation in a bid to "accelerate" the development of bilateral ties.

Moreover, both sides should try to reduce the "counter force" in developing bilateral relations, the Chinese president noted.

China is currently undergoing reforms to adjust its economic structure, Xi said, adding that the Chinese side is confident of achieving constant and healthy economic development and providing more opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

Xi also extended his appreciation for Germany's positive and active role in resolving trade disputes of photovoltaic products and telecommunications between China and Europe.

Merkel, on her part, said that Germany hopes to expand cooperation with China so as to get "accelerating force" for the development of bilateral relations.

Germany has attached great importance to the Chinese economy, Merkel said, adding that its sustained development benefits Germany as well.

She hoped Frankfurt, a financial powerhouse of her country, could become an offshore trading hub for the Chinese currency Renminbi, saying that the German government would continue to commit itself to a proper resolution of trade disputes between Europe and China.

This is the first time for Xi to attend a G20 summit. On the sidelines, he attended an informal leaders' meeting of the BRICS group, which also includes Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. A series of bilateral meetings were also on his schedule.

The G20 groups Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, Britain, the United States as well as the European Union.