Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz pressed China on its support for Russia in Ukraine during talks in Beijing on Friday with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. Scholz also addressed the debate surrounding the economy and human rights. He is accompanying a business delegation and has been urged to lessen Germany's excessive reliance on its top trading partner. 

The visit has drawn criticism from allies including France and the US. Both leaders raised the issue of grain exports being affected by the war. 

Here's a short video of Li Keqiang's statement:

Russia and China are beginning their "no limits" friendship, as described by Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. The supreme leader of China, Xi Jinping, has a very tight relationship with Vladimir Putin. 

In a case where there would be press involved, you wouldn't really expect Li Keqiang to throw Russia under the bus. 

We can't afford to see any further escalation in Ukraine, he did say, which I believe will perhaps generate a little bit of satisfaction on the German side.

Ties between Russia and China have gotten closer over the years

I believe that many observers will interpret that as making at least a passing allusion to Russia's recent warnings of nuclear escalation. In light of that, I believe there may be at least a small amount of satisfaction.

Olaf anticipated China would utilise its sway over Russia to manage this war since China has the obligation to do so as a huge country, as a sizable country, as a member, a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Overall, Scholz was probably more forthright and critical in the edge of his comments than many of the trip's detractors may have anticipated before leaving on the trip. 

Olaf Scholz has drawn a great deal of criticism for travelling to Beijing so soon after the most recent Communist Party Congress, which crowned Xi Jinping for a third term in office.

The presence of a business delegation is interpreted as a hint that he is adopting a corporatist strategy toward China similar to that of Angela Merkel. 

Xi Jinping was able to secure an unprecedented third term in office

Despite some pressure, Scholz managed to convey some rather concise points on a variety of topics. He talked about Ukraine and Russia. 

He also discussed Xinjiang, rejecting Beijing's standard line of denial when critics speak out against human rights abuses in China as interference in domestic matters.

Germany's One China policy, which is all about peace across the Taiwan Strait and that the status quo cannot be changed without peace and consensual moves on both sides, was mentioned in relation to Taiwan and the growing concerns that China could go forward with a future invasion.

The visit occurs at a time when Germany's reliance on China is under investigation. 

German dependence on Russian energy exports, according to European officials, left the country exposed following the Ukraine War.

Chinese exports to Germany have increased over the years

But it will be challenging to integrate into the Chinese market. 

The nation has been Germany's top trading partner for the last six years running. More than 245,000,000,000 euros worth of commodities were exchanged in trade between the nations in 2021.

That puts the Netherlands and the United States, Germany's next-to-most significant trading partners, considerably behind. 

According to polling, nearly 70% of Germans want to lessen their country's reliance on China, even if it means forgoing wealth.

It might be more difficult for German companies to share the feeling. 

Currently, over 50 German businesses with investments totalling roughly €90 billion operating in China.

Germany has been criticised for its overdependence on China

Germany is not merely a significant investment source. It generates a large number of jobs, 

particularly in regions of China that are economically highly precarious, such as the country's northeast, which is akin to the rust belt.

 Many of the German automakers are located there, and they play a critical role in stabilising the local economies. 

It's a partnership that benefits both countries.

Lithium and a large portion of the rare earth materials required to build green infrastructure are under Beijing's control. Additionally, Germany is dependent on Chinese semiconductors. 

Relations with China grew throughout Angela Merkel's 16 years as chancellor.

 Merkel frequently preferred dialogue over conflict. 

But Scholz's current coalition administration has demanded a tougher attitude. Considering its knowledge of the global order, it is not only a competitor but also a collaborator in international affairs.

During Angela Merkel's term as Chancellor, China grew closer to Germany

Twist in the tale: A dangerous rival or a crucial ally? 

Volkswagen had long-standing guarantees on its investments in China, but German Economy Minister Robert Habeck rejected them in May as part of his strategy to lessen Germany's reliance on the Chinese market.

 Meanwhile, crucial infrastructure in Europe, like wind farms and seaports, 

is being purchased by Chinese state-backed and private firms.

 The direction of the relationship between China and Germany is being closely watched by the entire world by Olaf Scholz's administration.

Robert Habeck revoked guarantees that Volswagen had on its investments in China

People anticipate that during this trip, the two parties will discuss specific trade arrangements or even market access for numerous German companies.

 Therefore, it's crucial for China as well since we are aware of the economic threat posed by its Zero Covid programme. 

China's zero covid policy has threatened its economy

President Xi Jinping said that both parties should establish this relationship based on principles of mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences. 

As a result, we are aware that there are numerous prerequisites for China.

 We are aware that the Ukraine conflict trumps other objectives. China's cosy support for the conflict is also well known. 

It is therefore difficult to predict whether Germany and China will be able to have a stronger relationship if both parties are unable to agree on this subject.

Olaf Scholz's visit to China; Fruitful or Pointless?

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