BERLIN: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is scheduled to embark on a three-day visit to China starting Saturday, which will include crucial meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit comes at a critical juncture as both economic powerhouses grapple with various challenges.
According to Chancellor Scholz’s spokesman Steffen Hebestreit, Scholz will hold talks with President Xi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on April 16, marking the conclusion of his trip. He will also visit the cities of Chongqing and Shanghai during his stay.
Scholz’s itinerary includes engagements with German business leaders and a speech at a Shanghai university, underscoring the importance of economic cooperation between the two nations. He will be accompanied by a delegation of cabinet ministers and representatives from the German industrial sector.
This visit to China is Scholz’s second since assuming office as chancellor, with the first occurring in November 2022 amidst stringent COVID-19 restrictions. The 2022 visit coincided with discussions surrounding Germany’s economic dependency on China, heightened by geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Despite emphasizing Germany’s commitment to its trade relationship with China, Scholz has also emphasized the importance of diversifying partnerships in Southeast Asia. Discussions during the upcoming visit are expected to cover trade matters as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with particular attention to China’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Hebestreit highlighted the desire for China to leverage its influence on Russia amidst the conflict, underscoring the significance of China’s role in shaping geopolitical dynamics.
