BEIJING: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday claimed that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed to back a high-level peace conference for Ukraine in Switzerland in June, taking place without Russia.
In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Chancellor Scholz said, “President Xi and I have agreed: China and Germany intend to coordinate intensively and positively on promoting the organization of a high-level conference in Switzerland and future international peace conferences.”
Scholz said he had asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to exert his influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war during a visit to Beijing.
“China’s word carries weight in Russia,” Scholz wrote on X. “I have therefore asked President Xi to influence Russia so that Putin finally calls off his senseless campaign, withdraws his troops and ends this terrible war.”
Scholz reiterated the global consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the threat to international security. He underscored Germany’s concerns, including the potential use of nuclear weapons, and stressed the violation of the United Nations Charter and the principle of national border inviolability.
While China has refrained from criticizing Russia’s actions and maintained its bilateral ties, it has expressed support for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Despite China’s insistence on adherence to the UN Charter and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, its proposal for peace talks has received a lukewarm response. China’s Xinhua News Agency quoted President Xi as saying that China is willing to cooperate with all relevant parties, including Germany, to address the crisis.
Chancellor Scholz also addressed trade relations during his visit to Shanghai, advocating for fair competition and cautioning against dumping and overproduction, particularly in sectors where German companies have significant investments.
