China backs cooperation with Germany despite differences
Published: Tuesday, Apr 16th 2024, 07:40
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At the start of his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for close cooperation between the two countries despite existing differences. "Together we can breathe more stability and security into the world," said Xi, according to an official translation. "As long as we stick to the principles of mutual respect, (the) search for common ground despite differences and mutual learning, bilateral relations can continue to develop stably."
Scholz names Russian war of aggression as the number one issue
While Xi's opening words remained flowery, Scholz got specific and was the first to address the war in Ukraine in no uncertain terms. "The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and Russia's armament have a very significant negative impact on security in Europe," he said to Xi, who is considered the most important ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The West accuses China of supplying Russia with goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, thereby supporting the Russian war economy.
The effects of the war directly affected core European interests, said Scholz. "Indirectly, they damage the entire international order, because they violate a principle of the United Nations Charter: the principle of the inviolability of state borders."
The Chancellor recalled that, during his last visit with Xi, he had made it clear that the use of nuclear weapons should not even be threatened. "I would like to discuss with you today how we can contribute more to a just peace in Ukraine." Prior to his trip, Scholz had already campaigned for China and other Russia-friendly states to take part in the peace conference planned for June in Switzerland.
Xi speaks of "new era of turbulence and upheaval"
Xi said in general terms that a "new era of turbulence and upheaval" had begun, in which the risks for all of humanity were increasing. "To resolve these issues, it is essential that cooperation between the major powers gains the upper hand." In this sense, stable cooperation between the major economies of Germany and China is important. It would "exert a major influence not only on the entire Eurasian continent, but also on the whole world".
In addition to the war in Ukraine, Scholz also specifically addressed climate protection and called for closer cooperation. "Our two countries have a responsibility to protect global public goods," he said. China emits by far the most climate-damaging greenhouse gases in the world.
Scholz also advocated a rules-based trading system, as embodied by the World Trade Organization (WTO). "Both China and Germany are trading nations that benefit greatly from the WTO. We are committed to strengthening the rules for global trade and developing them further together with the other WTO members."
Hidden warning with a view to Taiwan
Scholz had already addressed clear words to the Chinese leadership before his departure to Beijing. He would point out that Russia was waging a war of conquest against Ukraine "and insist that no one should help this to succeed", he said in Shanghai on Monday.
Scholz also had a hidden warning at the ready with regard to Taiwan. In a discussion with students at Tongji University, he emphasized that it must be ensured "that you don't have to be afraid of your neighbor". There are fears that the powerful communist People's Republic of China will attack the democratic island republic of Taiwan, which Beijing regards as its own territory. The Chinese leadership has repeatedly threatened an invasion. It is also in dispute with neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines over large sea areas in the South China Sea.
Practical test for China strategy
Last summer, the German government adopted a comprehensive China strategy for the first time. It defines the country, which is ruled with a heavy hand by the communist leadership, as a partner, competitor and systemic rival. The core of the strategy is to reduce economic dependency on China in order to avoid a rude awakening like the one that followed the Russian attack on Ukraine when gas supplies were cut off. The three-day visit is also a practical test for this strategy.
This is the Chancellor's second trip to China since he was sworn in in December 2021. His inaugural visit in November 2022 was only a day trip due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This time, he took three days - more than ever before for a single country on a single trip - and also visited the two economic hubs of Chongqing and Shanghai before Beijing. The country with its 1.4 billion inhabitants is Germany's largest trading partner.
A dozen managers and three ministers present
Scholz will be accompanied in Beijing by a dozen top managers and three ministers: Volker Wissing (Transport, FDP), Cem Özdemir (Agriculture, Greens) and Steffi Lemke (Environment, Greens). Scholz also wanted to meet Premier Li Qiang in the afternoon. Afterwards, several agreements were to be signed.
©Keystone/SDA
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