German Chancellor Angela Merkel says it’s important for her country to engage in dialogue with China, including on issues such as human rights.

Axar.az reports citing AP News that speaking to lawmakers during parliament’s annual budget debate Wednesday, Merkel said China has a “growing responsibility for the global multilateral order.”

Merkel said that during her visit to China last week she noted the importance of respecting human rights, adding: “that’s true also with a view toward Hong Kong.”

Merkel also stressed that Germany believes in the principle of “one country, two systems” for China and Hong Kong.