Scholz in Beijing: Balancing commerce with diplomacy on Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has landed in China for a three-day diplomatic mission aimed at discussing economic ties and the ongoing war in Ukraine, Deutsche Welle reported on April 14.

Starting his visit in Chongqing, Scholz is slated to travel to Shanghai and Beijing, where he will hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang.

Scholz plans to assure Xi during his visit that Germany will continue to do business with China and will try to "level the playing field for German companies in China," AFP reported.

"China remains a really important economic partner," said the chancellor.

Olaf Scholz also plans to ask the Chinese leader to influence Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and "help end the war against Ukraine," Reuters reported.

Read also: Diplomatic talks with Putin dependent on timing – Scholz

This is Scholz's second trip to China since taking office as German Chancellor. It takes place against the backdrop of Iran's attack on Israel.

Reuters reported earlier, citing German officials, that the German Chancellor would express concern about China's support for Russia and excess production capacity in China during his visit to the country.

Chinese assistance to Russia in the war against Ukraine

Bloomberg reported on April 7 that China had stepped up its support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, in particular, by providing the aggressor state with satellite imagery to strike Ukrainian targets.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on April 8 that it was "not profiting" from Russia's war against Ukraine and was regulating the export of dual-use goods "in accordance with laws and regulations."

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on April 9 that the United States has no evidence that China is providing direct military assistance to Russia. At the same time, China is helping Russia to strengthen its military-industrial base.

Read also: China consistently supports Russia’s military industry — report

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said that the United States would hold China responsible if Russia succeeds in its war against Ukraine.

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