Scholz to Xi: ‘No one should have to fear their neighbour’
At a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for joint efforts to promote peace and security in the world.
Xi and Scholz met in Rio de Janeiro, where both leaders are attending the G20 summit of leading economic powers.
In a public statement to open the meeting, Scholz did not explicitly mention Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
“No one should have to fear their neighbour. A very central principle of peace in the world, which we are certainly working very hard to achieve,” Scholz said.
That comment could be read as a reference to the conflict in Ukraine, or tensions between China and Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.
Xi warned that global development was at a critical crossroads and that conflicts and disagreements were emerging.
Ensuring security and peace is a test that all countries must face, said Xi.
He said that China is willing to work together with Germany to consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
On Monday, Scholz said that he hoped to discuss the issue of Chinese arms deliveries to Russia with Xi.
“It is always a topic of my talks to warn everyone against supplying lethal weapons to Russia. And that’s why that will continue to be the case, a key issue,” he said.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has said that the German government believes that China is supporting Russia with drones. Baerbock on Monday threatened China with sanctions over the deliveries.
