The Chinese side describes the talks as “deep and frank” – which mostly indicates differences. Xi has been criticized for not using his influence on Putin so far.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke to China’s head of state and party leader Xi Jinping about the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.
Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit reported after the video call that the impact on global food supply and energy security was also discussed. Other topics were the deepening of bilateral relations and economic cooperation, the pandemic, climate protection and relations between Europe and China.
While the government spokesman in Berlin spoke only briefly, the Chinese side reported in more detail. Xi Jinping warned of an escalation of the Ukraine war. “Every effort must be made to avoid the intensification and expansion of the conflict, leading to an unmanageable situation,” said Xi Jinping, according to state television.
China: Europe’s security is “in the hands of the Europeans themselves”
The European side should seek a solution in a “responsible manner,” said China’s President. Apparently in an oblique reference to US influence, Xi Jinping emphasized that European security should be “in the hands of the Europeans themselves”. All parties concerned should support Ukraine and Russia to reach peace through negotiations.
However, diplomats complain that Xi Jinping himself is not using his influence over Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring about an end to Russia’s war of aggression. Since the beginning of the invasion, China has been giving him political backing, emphasizing its “strategic partnership” with Moscow and portraying the USA and the eastward expansion of NATO as the main causes of the conflict.
The conversation was described by the Chinese side as “deep and frank”, which mostly indicates differences. During his first visit as chancellor to Asia, Scholz visited Japan at the end of April, avoiding China, which had maintained good relations with its predecessor, Angela Merkel (CDU).
While there were already signs of a course correction when the government changed in Berlin, the Ukraine war and German disappointment about China’s backing for Putin led to a further reassessment of relations with Beijing.
Source: Stern
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