BEIJING – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives in China on Saturday for a three-day visit culminating in talks with President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. High on the agenda are the war in Ukraine and the simmering tensions between China and Taiwan, with economic ties also a key focus.
Scholz’s visit comes as Western nations continue efforts to isolate Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. China, however, remains a critical ally of the Kremlin, despite maintaining a public stance of neutrality. Beijing has yet to condemn the war, instead pointing fingers at the West for the conflict.
Further complicating the geopolitical landscape is the issue of Taiwan. China views the self-ruled island as part of its territory, a claim disputed by Taiwan’s independent government established in 1949.
This trip marks Scholz’s second visit to China since taking office in late 2021. Notably, it’s his longest visit to any single country as Chancellor, underscoring the importance of China as Germany’s primary trading partner. Several German business leaders are joining Scholz, along with the country’s Ministers for Agriculture, Transportation, and Environment.
Scholz’s initial stops will be in Chongqing, a major metropolis, and Shanghai, where he’ll visit German companies and address students before heading to Beijing for crucial talks with President Xi Jinping.