German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized the Chinese Communist Party for providing weapons to Russia in support of its invasion war against Ukraine. She made these remarks before her visit to China on December 1st (Sunday). Therefore, it is widely expected that her visit to China this time may pose a challenge for the CCP, just like her previous visit.
According to Bloomberg, Baerbock issued a statement via email before departing from Berlin airport, stating, “As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China (CCP) has not taken responsibility for global peace and security but instead is harming the core interests of Europe by assisting Russia economically and militarily.”
She emphasized that the war launched by Russian President Putin invading Ukraine directly threatens the peace in Europe, and she will make it clear to the Chinese side during her visit that Germany will not overlook this point in handling relations with China.
Her spokesperson stated that Baerbock will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss the issue of implementing sanctions on several Chinese companies as proposed by the European Union. The EU has accused these companies of aiding Russian businesses in developing attack drones targeting Ukraine.
The EU’s imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles starting in October and its impact on the automotive industry will also be a topic of discussion during the meeting between the German and Chinese foreign ministers.
As the German Foreign Minister, Baerbock stated, “As the largest economy in Europe, we defend our interests just like the Chinese (CCP) leadership defends theirs. If our economic competition is undercut, we will not turn a blind eye.”
She further emphasized that Germany “will not tolerate other countries violating international rules and damaging German and European industries,” including issues such as “overproduction subsidized by the state and human rights violations,” such as disregarding the core labor standards of the International Labor Organization.
Baerbock, a member of the Green Party in the ruling coalition in Germany, holds a critical stance towards the Chinese Communist Party, differing from Chancellor Scholz’s position on China.
During her visit to China in April 2023, Baerbock had a public clash with then Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. At a joint press conference, when discussing issues related to Taiwan, she stated, “The military escalation in the Taiwan Strait would be a terror scene for the entire world… Conflict can only be resolved through peaceful means. As Europeans, we cannot accept unilateralism and violent changes to the status quo.”
A few months later, during a TV interview with Fox News, Baerbock referred to Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a “dictator,” leading to a strong backlash from Beijing.
During this visit to China, she and Wang Yi will not hold a joint press conference. Instead, she will engage in dialogue with reporters after the meeting.
(Reference: Bloomberg)