During a meeting in Beijing, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz conveyed concerns to Chinese leader Xi Jinping regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the threat it poses to global security. Scholz highlighted the potential use of nuclear weapons in the conflict and stressed the impact on Germany's 'core interests' due to disruptions in energy, food supplies, and trade.
While China has refrained from criticizing Russia's actions and maintained ties with Moscow, Scholz urged for greater pressure on Russia to resolve the conflict peacefully. He underscored that Russia's actions violate international principles and the United Nations Charter.
Xi Jinping expressed support for efforts conducive to a peaceful resolution of the crisis, advocating for an international peace conference with equal participation from all parties. China emphasized adherence to the UN charter and respect for national sovereignty, despite its economic support for Russia.
During his visit, Scholz also addressed trade-related tensions, calling for fair competition and warning against dumping and overproduction. The European Union is considering tariffs to protect against Chinese imports, particularly in the electrical vehicle sector.
Concerns were raised about China's increasing equipment sales to Russia, indirectly supporting its war effort against Ukraine. Additionally, fears of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan were discussed, with Scholz emphasizing the importance of respecting borders and international institutions.
Despite political and trade frictions, China remains Germany's top trading partner, with significant bilateral trade in goods and services. Scholz's visit marks his second trip to China as chancellor, focusing on diplomatic relations and economic cooperation amidst ongoing global challenges.
