German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has embarked on a three-day visit to China, marked by strategic talks with Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping.
Upon his arrival, Chancellor Scholz met with President Xi. One of the topics they discussed was Russia-Ukraine war and its repercussions on international stability and security.
The visit, which also sees Scholz accompanied by a delegation of high-profile German business leaders, aims to strengthen economic bonds between the two states as Germany navigates its extensive economic relations with China. This aspect of the visit was covered by Deutsche Welle, highlighting the dual focus on “economic cooperation and geopolitical dialogue.”
On the military front, China has provided substantial support to Russia, including the supply of drones and surveillance equipment, which have been actively used in Russia-Ukraine war. These supplies not only bolster Russian military efforts but also enable China to gather valuable intelligence that could serve its own strategic interests. Additionally, China has been implicated in the indirect supply of significant amounts of military equipment valued at over $100 million, including drones and body armor components. This support has been crucial in helping Russia sustain its military operations despite international sanctions.
The US has expressed serious concerns regarding this cooperation, highlighting it in discussions at various international forums and bilateral talks. The US government has warned of significant consequences if Chinese firms continue to support Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for China to refrain from aiding Russia’s defense sector.
