German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said he hopes Berlin and Beijing could collaborate to help achieve a “just peace” in Ukraine, during his meeting with President Xi Jinping in the Chinese capital.
Scholz discussed with the Chinese leader Xi how they can the enhance their contributions towards achieving a fair and peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
China and Russia have in recent years accelerated their economic cooperation and diplomatic contacts, while their strategic partnership has grown stronger since the military conflict in Ukraine began over two years ago.
Scholz claimed in his meeting with Xi that Russia’s military operation in Ukraine and its armament have a “very significant negative impact on security in Europe,” according to a recording from the chancellor’s office.
“They directly affect our core interests,” he told Xi, claiming that they “damage the entire international order because they violate a principle of the United Nations Charter.”
For his part, Xi called for all parties to work together to restore peace to Ukraine as soon as possible and keep the conflict from spiraling out of control.
China supports all efforts towards a peaceful resolution, as well as holding an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine with equal participation by all parties, Xi told Scholz.
Heading a large group of ministers and business leaders, the German chancellor arrived in China on Sunday, on his second trip to the country since assuming office.
A resolution to the Ukraine conflict, currently in its third year, seems highly unlikely in the near future as long as Western countries keep providing ammunition to Kiev, thus prolonging the war.
Since 2022, Russia has issued multiple warnings to the US and its Western allies, including Germany, cautioning them against involvement in the war. It has also emphasized its determination to defend itself using all available means.
Furthermore, Russia has highlighted the active role played by the West and NATO in consistently arming Ukraine with advanced weaponry and military equipment.
Germany has emerged as a significant supplier of weaponry to Ukraine and stands as the second-largest contributor of military aid to the ex-Soviet nation.
The German chancellor’s visit comes as China’s close diplomatic and trade relationship with Russia has caused concern and frustration among Western nations, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with the US specifically seeking to push its allies to refrain from aligning themselves with Beijing.
