The German Foreign Minister criticizes China’s attitude towards Russia.
(Photo: dpa)
Beijing Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has called on China to exert more influence on Russia to stop the war in Ukraine. “One man can end the war tomorrow,” she said during her visit to Beijing, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
She doesn’t understand why China hasn’t asked Russia to stop the war so far. President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow showed that no other country has more influence on Russia than China.
With the rights as a permanent member of the Security Council, China also has a special responsibility, warned the Foreign Minister. After the almost two-hour conversation with her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang, Baerbock also demanded that China should not supply Russia with weapons either.
The Chinese government has given assurances that it will not provide weapons to Russia in the war against Ukraine, and will not do so in the future. “We do not and will not deliver any weapons to parties to the conflict,” said Foreign Minister Qin Gang after the almost two-hour conversation with Baerbock.
In addition, the export of so-called dual-use goods, which can be used for civil and military purposes, is controlled in accordance with the legal situation. China’s role in relation to Ukraine is to promote reconciliation and advance peace negotiations. “We will not add more fuel to the fire,” Qin Gang said after the official translation.
Baerbock on possible attack on Taiwan: This would be a “horror scenario”
Baerbock also warned China of a military conflict with Taiwan. That would be a “horror scenario,” Baerbock said. “Destabilization would have consequences for all countries, the world economy and also for Germany,” she added.
A reunification of China with Taiwan by force is not acceptable for Europe, said Baerbock, who at the same time emphasized Germany’s one-China policy. A war would send “shock waves” and a global economic crisis would also hit China and Germany, she said, also referring to Taiwan’s economic importance for the chip industry, for example.
“We are watching the rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait with great concern,” Baerbock said. Qin accused foreign governments of supporting separatists in Taiwan, which is part of China. The government in Beijing does not tolerate any interference in internal affairs.
Baerbock: Taiwan conflict would be the “worst-case scenario worldwide”
China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and part of the People’s Republic. Baerbock had already emphasized on Thursday that an escalation between China and Taiwan would also affect Germany and referred to the effects on world trade.
Baerbock is staying in China until Saturday as part of a trip to Asia. In addition to the talks with Qin, she is also scheduled to meet Vice President Han Zheng on Friday. The Ukraine war and China’s behavior towards Taiwan are considered the most important topics in Baerbock talks in Beijing.
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