German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to use his influence on Russia to put an end as soon as possible to the invasion of Ukraine, which began almost eight months ago, and thus appealed to the Asian giant’s «responsibility» for peace.
During his visit to China, Scholz took the opportunity to meet with China’s head of state and outgoing Premier Li Keqiang, with whom he discussed current challenges for international politics.
He pointed out that China is «a great country» and stressed that the parties consider Russian rhetoric on the use of nuclear weapons «unacceptable», while defending the visit and indicating that it is «right to be in Beijing».
In addition, he warned of the consequences that could result from a military intervention in Taiwan, although he defended Germany’s support for the «one China» policy. However, he said that «this also means that any change can take place peacefully and by mutual agreement».
In this sense, he stressed that human rights are «universal», as stated by the United Nations, and stressed the importance of defending them in the region of Xinjiang, where the Uyghur population is concentrated. «It is not a question of interference in internal affairs», the Chancellor asserted in relation to the usual Chinese position.
CHINA CALLS FOR «RESPECT» AND «COOPERATION
Xi, for his part, stressed the importance of two «influential powers» working together with «respect» in «times of change and chaos». The Chinese leader urged «cooperation» to achieve an improvement in relations despite criticism from the West.
In what was Scholz’s first visit to the country as German Chancellor, Xi said that the meeting will allow the two countries to «deepen cooperation» in various fields, according to the South China Morning Post.
The German chancellor’s trip has generated excitement as he is the first G7 leader to visit the country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The visit has also led to increased tension as Western politicians advocate economic measures in relation to the Chinese model.
Scholz admitted Thursday that the war in Ukraine has changed international relations, but said that, «even under these circumstances, China remains an important trade and business partner for Germany and Europe. «We do not want to disassociate ourselves from it (…) but we cannot depend on it either,» he stressed then.
