China’s head of state Xi Jinping and Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke out in favor of closer cooperation at a meeting in Beijing on Friday. “As influential great powers, China and Germany should work together in this chaotic and changing situation to make greater contributions to world peace and development,” Xi said. Scholz’s visit, accompanied by a business delegation, will facilitate the “next phase” of German-Chinese relations.
Scholz was the first European head of government to travel to China since the pandemic began. Scholz himself was heavily criticized within his governing coalition, especially at the time of his first visit. Two weeks ago, Xi secured a third term at the CP party congress. As a lesson from Mao’s rule, there had hitherto been a two-period limitation. Scholz’s visit had the inevitable effect of legitimizing this historic breach of taboo. Many observers in Europe and the USA condemned the visit as a German solo effort, instead of a joint European appearance.
Scholz defended his one-day trip in Beijing. His visit came at a “time of great tension,” he said. After the time of video conferences and telephone calls, it is good to be able to “talk to each other directly” again. “It’s good that we have a very intensive exchange here, also with regard to bilateral relations and the opportunity to further develop economic relations.”
As Beijing continues to adhere to its zero-Covid strategy, China has been effectively sealed off from the outside world since 2020. Men in white body suits rolled out the red carpet upon the Chancellor’s arrival. The delegation was isolated in Beijing and spontaneous contact with the Chinese was not possible.
In addition to economic and trade issues, both sides agreed to cooperate more closely on climate protection in the future. The Ukraine war was also a topic during the talks. Scholz asked the Chinese leadership to use their influence on Russia to end the war. The governments in Beijing and Berlin agree that Russian threats with nuclear weapons are unacceptable, Scholz said at his meeting with Li Keqiang. With their deployment, Russia would cross a red line that the international community would have drawn. China is an “influential country” with responsibility for peace in the world.
Prime Minister Li supported the hope of an “early end” to the war. “We really can’t afford any further escalation,” Li said. Both sides should be persuaded to hold peace talks. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, however, China has maintained its close partnership with Moscow and blamed the United States and NATO for the conflict.
In press statements by Scholz and Li, in which no questions were allowed, Chancellor Olaf Scholz also warned against Chinese military intervention in Taiwan. Germany is pursuing the “One China Policy”. But that also means that any changes to the status quo should only be made peacefully and by mutual consent. Party leader Xi Jinping has repeatedly threatened to seize democracy by force if the Taiwanese resist peaceful “reunification.”
Chancellor Scholz briefly addressed the issue of human rights. In his talks with China’s leadership, he recalled the obligation to protect and implement human rights. “Reminding implementation, for example in Xinjiang province, is not interference in internal affairs,” the chancellor said, referring to the usual Chinese response on the matter.
According to a UN report, China is committing serious human rights violations against the Uyghurs in the northwestern region of China. Prime Minister Li Keqiang had previously referred in general to cultural differences and different opinions that could not be avoided.
Hong Kong was not an issue in Scholz’s public remarks. The liberal basic rights, which the special administrative region is actually guaranteed until 2047, have actually been abolished in Beijing. Scholz also did not comment on the authoritarian style of government in other parts of China.
Before his trip to Beijing, however, Scholz spoke to Chinese human rights lawyers. This became known on Friday after the Chancellor’s departure from government circles. A meeting in Beijing was allegedly not possible due to the strict corona requirements imposed by the Chinese authorities.
From China’s point of view, the visit should be seen as a great success. State media published selected video excerpts on Friday, some with sentimental music. Above all, they emphasized Scholz’s commitment to maintaining close bilateral relations with China.