Scholz eyes Chinese role in 'just peace' in Ukraine
3 Min Read
A recording provided by the Chancellor's office reveals that Scholz, during his trip to China, told Xi how the war in Ukraine "negatively impacts security in Europe."
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing, China, Friday, November 4, 2022. (AP)
Upon convening with Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed on Tuesday his hope of Germany and China working together for a "just peace" in Ukraine.
Scholz arrived in China on Sunday, alongside a delegation of ministers and business executives, marking his second visit to the country since taking office.
At Beijing's Diaoyutai State guesthouse, Scholz said he aimed to discuss "how we can contribute more to a just peace in Ukraine."
A recording provided by the Chancellor's office revealed that he told Xi that "the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and Russia's armament have a very significant negative impact on security in Europe."
Read next: China, Russia key to global security, Ukraine crisis solution: Wang Yi
"They directly affect our core interests," he said, adding that they "damage the entire international order because they violate a principle of the United Nations Charter."
The visit included discussing topics both countries could jointly collaborate on, such as climate change and trade.
"Only by working together will we be able to find solutions to stop climate change and manage the green energy transition in a socially just way," Scholz continued.
It is expected that Scholz will convene with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday, meet with a German-Chinese economic committee, and hold a press conference all together before departing.
'Do my job for me': Germany to China
In February last year, China released a 12-point document entitled "China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis," which underscores respect for the sovereignty of all countries, the cessation of hostilities, and the resumption of peace talks between Moscow and Kiev.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that some of the provisions of the plan could be a basis for a peace settlement "if the West and Kiev are ready for it."
China is serious about becoming a major diplomatic player and has called for the resumption of peace talks between Kiev and Moscow, the safeguarding of nuclear power plants and the reduction of strategic risks, the end of unilateral sanctions, the abandonment of the Cold War mentality, and the promotion of post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine.
China has been the source of frustration among Western countries for entertaining good diplomatic and trade relations with Russia.
Meanwhile, Germany, which keeps going around to ask for peace and promote it, has been one of Ukraine’s biggest weapon providers and has been the second biggest donor of military assistance to the ex-Soviet nation.
Russia since 2022 has repeatedly warned the United States and its Western allies, including Germany, against partaking in the war, emphasizing that it will defend itself in any way possible.
It also stressed that the West and NATO have been playing a direct role by continuously aiding Ukraine with advanced weapons and military equipment.
Read more: EU-China ties depend on Beijing's approach to Ukraine war: Borrell
