German foreign minister criticises Beijing’s support for Russia ahead of China visit

BERLIN – German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has accused China of providing Russia with weapons for its war against Ukraine and threatening peace in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

“Instead of taking responsibility for peace and security in the world as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is opposing our core European interests with its economic and weapons aid to Russia,” Ms Baerbock said in a statement on Dec 1, ahead of a visit to Beijing.

The German foreign minister will visit China this week, where she will meet her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss issues including the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “brutal war of aggression against Ukraine is a direct threat to our peace”, Ms Baerbock said. “I will also speak in Beijing about the fact that we cannot simply ignore this in our relations with China.”

The war in Ukraine shows how security in Europe is inextricably linked with that in Asia, she noted.

“If North Korea sends soldiers and weapons against Ukraine, while Russia supports Pyongyang’s nuclear programme, then this jeopardises peace both here and in the Indo-Pacific,” Ms Baerbock said.

Ms Baerbock also said that Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, stands up for its interests just as much as China stands up for its own.

“In economic, climate and security policy, the following applies: cooperation where possible, independence where necessary,” the foreign minister said, adding that Germany would not turn a blind eye when others violate international rules to the detriment of German and European industry. REUTERS