Chinese President Xi Jinping receives German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Beijing on Friday as the two sides sought to deepen economic cooperation.
But the trip drew criticism over Berlin’s growing dependence on China is increasingly authoritarian.
Scholz is first The G7 leader has been visiting China since start of The coronavirus pandemic, which saw world number 2 economy Close his borders and avoid Shi to a great extent inPersonal diplomacy.
The German leader’s trip sparked controversy at home soon After Shi strengthened his fist on power and tensions run High between the West and Beijing on Cases range from Taiwan to alleged human rights abuses.
Xi greeted him with a smile in the Great Hall of Beijing of People soon after their arrival, Schulze said he hoped to “further develop” economic cooperation – while hinting at areas of discord.
“that it good That we are able to have an exchange here on all the questions, including those where we have different points of view – that’s the exchange for Schulz said.
“we also want to talk about how We can further develop our economic cooperation on Other topics: climate change, food security, indebtedness countries. “
“Referring to complex and fluid international Landscape, Xi stressed need for China and Germany, two major countries with great effect for work together in times of Change, instability and contribution more to me global Peace and development, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Will Schulz also Meeting with Premier Li Keqiang on The one- day trip on who is accompanied by higher business managers.
delegation of more from 60 people I was met on Runway at Beijing Airport by a military Guard – as well as health workers in White Hazardous Material suits who PCR tests are mandatory in Convert buses to mobile laboratories.
Schulz PCR test Taking on His plane was brought by a German doctor with It was supervised by Chinese health officials, according to the German government.
‘Keep doing’ business”
Some see the economic importance of China in Berlin more More important than ever, as Germany heads into recession facing an energy crisis triggered From the Ukraine war.
China is a big country market for German goods, from machines to vehicles made Likes of Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
But the great dependence of German industry on China is facing New check after over- Accreditation on Russian energy imports left Revealed when Moscow turned off taps.
Scholz’ approach is still supported by the idea of ”we want to continue to do business with China, no matter what that means for Accreditation of our economyAnd the for our ability “To act,” opposition MP Norbert Röttgen told the Rheinische Post.
Concern about China also It comes from within Germany’s ruling coalition with Secretary of State Annalina Barbuk says mistakes made in The past with Russia must not be repeated.
Last month, a dispute erupted over whether to allow Chinese shipping giant COSCO to buy An interest in Hamburg port terminal.
Scholz eventually challenged calls from six ministries to refuse to sell over security concerns, instead let the company acquire a reduced Period.
‘All the more Important’
there also Concerning that the trip – coming on the heel of What believes a third historically term At the Communist Party Congress last The month – could be destabilizing in the United States and the European Union.
Berlin, however, says There were consultations with key Partners, while Schulze insisted that he visit China as a “European” as well as a leader of Germany.
He said direct conversations with Chinese leaders were “every more Important ‘After a long break caused from the epidemic.
In a newspaper article, he promised to raise thorny topics like respect for Civil liberties and rights of minorities in Xinjiang.
But Beijing has already warned that “the Chinese side opposes the intervention in Internal affairs and smearing us under the guise of “Discussing human rights issues,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.
