China trip: Baerbock warns: Ukraine war is not in China’s interest

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned China not to allow Russia to pursue its war of aggression in Ukraine. “The Russian president is not only destroying our European peace order through his war of aggression against Ukraine, but is now also dragging Asia into it through North Korea,” said the Green politician during her one-day visit to Beijing. At the meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, she spoke “intensively” about the fact that this could not be in China’s interests.

Baerbock recently warned Beijing of the consequences

During the three-hour meeting in the Chinese capital, the Foreign Minister also spoke about the allegations that China was supporting Moscow’s war of aggression against Ukraine by supplying drones or drone parts. Baerbock recently warned Beijing that this would have consequences. Supporting a “brutal war of aggression” would be a violation of international law, said Baerbock. She once again underlined what cases were involved. Discussions are now underway in the European Union, she said.

A 15th package of sanctions against Russia is currently being prepared in the EU. Among other things, the plan is to target China-based companies involved in the production of drones for Russia’s war.

“Hurt our European nuclear security interests”

With regard to China’s role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Baerbock appealed to Beijing’s responsibility for peace and security. A member should not use support to further fuel conflicts that threaten everyone’s safety. “Drones from Chinese factories and North Korean troops attacking peace in the middle of Europe violate our European core security interests,” said Baerbock.