German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has declared that he will raise issues of trade rules, Russia's war against Ukraine, and climate at the outset of negotiations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, underlining a growing list of problems both sides must address, according to Bloomberg.
"We aim to strengthen the rules-based global trading system and further develop it together with other members of the World Trade Organization," Scholz said ahead of talks in Beijing.
Scholz also said he would discuss with the Chinese leader "how we can make a greater contribution to achieving a just peace in Ukraine."
He added that Germany and China need to work together to find solutions that will help stop climate change and transition to "green" energy in a socially just manner.
Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of Chinese-German relations as the world faces "increasing challenges and risks." He added that both countries must "unite to inject greater certainty" at the international level.
Scholz's visit to China
Scholz's visit comes against the backdrop of growing tension in relations between China, the EU, and the US over trade and Russia's war against Ukraine. The bloc has begun investigating Chinese subsidies for electric cars and support for wind farms, and will soon launch an investigation into medical equipment procurement.
Scholz's trip also coincides with concerns about a major war in the Middle East, as senior Israeli military officials once again stated that their country has no choice but to respond to attacks by Iranian drones and missiles.
While Scholz sought to maintain good relations with the host during his second visit as chancellor, he was more persistent on issues concerning his country than his predecessor Angela Merkel, who prioritized business interests.
Speaking to an audience of university students in Shanghai, Scholz said, "Competition must be fair." He added that he would like to see "no dumping" and "no overproduction" and that copyrights should be respected.
Criticism of China stems from Xi Jinping relying on his country's vast manufacturing industry to drive economic growth, which has encountered obstacles due to the real estate crisis, deflationary pressures, and sluggish consumer demand.
Scholz said that China and other countries should cease aid to Russia. "We will talk about not allowing anyone to help," Scholz emphasized in Shanghai, referring to the increase in Chinese exports to Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The head of the German government also reiterated calls not to circumvent Western sanctions and not to supply weapons to Russia. According to him, Russia's aggressive war is not only a European problem.
Beijing has provided diplomatic and economic support to Russia since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trade between the countries has sharply increased, and Moscow evades Western sanctions with Beijing's help.