German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder says China has expressed support for his country's candidacy for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Mr. Schroeder spoke with reporters Tuesday in Beijing after talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Germany is one of several countries, including India, Brazil and Japan that are seeking a permanent seat on the Security Council.
Monday, Mr. Schroeder met with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. Chinese officials signed an agreement to buy European-built Airbus jetliners and German-made goods, including locomotives.
The German chancellor opposes the European Union's ban on weapons sales to China, imposed after the bloody 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing. His stand has been criticized by opponents in Germany, and the European Parliament renewed the sanctions last month.
Mr. Schroeder travels to Tokyo Wednesday for talks with Japanese officials.
