Germany and China Discuss Trade Conflicts and Ukraine Crisis

During a meeting between the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, and the President of China, Xi Jinping, the primary focus of discussion revolved around trade conflicts and Europe’s defensive stance. Despite receiving favorable coverage from the media, it was evident that Beijing had reservations regarding Europe’s potential involvement in a trade dispute concerning eco-friendly technology. Xi stressed the significant role played by China’s exports of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar panels in global endeavors to combat climate change. This response was triggered by Brussels’ examination of China’s subsidies for electric vehicles, as well as investigations into state support for Chinese wind turbines, rail projects, and solar initiatives. Xi urged both parties to exercise caution in the face of escalating protectionism and proposed that Berlin should not underestimate the hazards, as there are no risks in the bilateral relationship. He also emphasized that China does not pose a security menace and that collaboration between China and Germany should not be perceived as a risk.
In sectors like automated manufacturing and vehicles, or emerging areas such as sustainable transition, digitalization, or Artificial Intelligence, the two nations possess extensive potential for mutually beneficial collaboration that remains untapped,″ Xi expressed, as reported by state media Xinhua.

Scholz, accompanied by a delegation of influential German business leaders eager to maintain their profitable business prospects in China, focused his initial remarks not on trade but on Ukraine.

He urged Xi to ″contribute more towards a just peace in Ukraine.″ ″The Russian aggression against Ukraine and their military buildup have significantly impacted security in Europe. These actions directly affect our fundamental interests,″ he conveyed to Xi.

Xi has not made any new commitments regarding Ukraine, but he expressed support for ″all efforts that promote a peaceful resolution to the [Ukraine] crisis, as well as the timely organization of an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine.″

He called for ″the equal participation of all parties, where various peace plans can be discussed″ — suggesting that Europe should consider inviting Russia to the negotiations. He also appealed to the West not to ″worsen the situation further,″ using China’s metaphor for refraining from supplying weapons to Ukraine.