German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged Beijing Friday to ask “the Russian aggressor to stop the war” in Ukraine, saying “no other country has more influence on Russia than China”.
Speaking after a meeting with her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang in Beijing, “It is good that China has signalled its commitment to a solution, but I have to say frankly that I wonder why the Chinese position so far does not include a call on the aggressor Russia to stop the war.”
“Just as China is successfully engaged in a peaceful settlement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, we would like China to influence Russia to finally end its aggression and participate in a peaceful conflict resolution,” she said.
Her visit to Beijing follows those of French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who both asked Beijing to do more to help resolve the Ukrainian crisis.
Meanwhile, she had expressed concerns about human rights issues and warned of the dangers of escalating tensions with Taiwan.
“A military escalation in the Taiwan Strait, which, as already mentioned, closes 50 per cent of world trade every day, would be a horror scenario for the entire world,” she added.
On the other hand, since the outbreak of war with Russia-Ukraine, China claims it is neutral and has never condemned the Russian invasion.
However, China has been accused of supporting Russia in continuing the war with Ukraine.
The allegation of support could be regarding trade partners and providing ammunition.
In addition, China and Russia have common ground about regional and global affairs on the one hand and a familiar rival which could be the US.
According to the US, Chinese companies have already given Russia “non-lethal support,” New information suggests Beijing may soon do the same, according to the BBC.
Additionally, the BBC quoted Maria Shagina, a specialist in economic sanctions at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, saying that China has not blatantly provided Russia with weapons but may have discreetly sold hi-tech equipment that may be used for military purposes.
She added that China is the biggest exporter of semiconductors to Russia, and some Chinese companies also supply civilian drones.
However, Chinese officials have rejected the allegations and reiterated that it is neutral on the Russia-Ukraine war.
