Chinese president urges “respect” and “cooperation” among “influential powers” during German chancellor’s visit
PEKIN, 4 Nov. (DPA/EP) –
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to use his influence over Russia to put an end to the invasion of Ukraine as soon as possible, which began almost eight months ago, and thus appealed to the ” responsibility” of the Asian giant with peace.
During his visit to China, Scholz took the opportunity to meet with the head of state and the outgoing prime minister of the country, Li Keqiang, with whom he discussed the current challenges for international politics.
Thus, he has pointed out that China is “a great country” and has emphasized that the parties consider the Russian rhetoric on the use of nuclear weapons “unacceptable”. Scholz has in turn defended the visit and has indicated that it is “correct to be in Beijing”.
Xi, for his part, has stressed the importance of two “influential powers” working together with “respect” in “times of change and chaos.” The Chinese president has urged “cooperation” to achieve an improvement in relations despite criticism from the West.
In what was Scholz’s first visit to the country as German chancellor, Xi has asserted that the meeting will allow the two countries to “deepen cooperation” in various fields, according to information from the South China Morning Post.
The German chancellor’s trip has generated anticipation as he is the first G7 leader to visit the country since the coronavirus pandemic broke out. The visit has also caused a rise in tension as Western politicians advocate adopting economic measures relative to the Chinese model.
Scholz admitted on Thursday that the war in Ukraine has changed international relations, but said that “even in these circumstances, China remains an important trade and business partner for Germany and Europe. “We do not want to disassociate ourselves from it (… ) but we can’t depend either,” he stressed then.
