During a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for joint efforts to promote peace and security in the world.
Xi and Scholz met in Rio de Janeiro, where both leaders are attending the G20 summit of leading economic powers.
In a public statement opening the meeting, Scholz did not explicitly mention Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
“No one should be afraid of his neighbor. A very central principle of peace in the world, which we are certainly working very hard to achieve,” Scholz said.
That comment could be read as a reference to the conflict in Ukraine, or to tensions between China and Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province.
Xi warned that global development is at a crucial crossroads and conflicts and disagreements are emerging.
Ensuring security and peace is a test that all countries face, Xi said.
He said China is willing to work with Germany to consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
On Monday, Scholz said he hoped to discuss the issue of Chinese arms deliveries to Russia with Xi.
“It is always a topic of my conversations to warn everyone against supplying lethal weapons to Russia. And that is why that will continue to be an important issue,” he said.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has said the German government believes China is supporting Russia with drones. Baerbock threatened China with sanctions on Monday over the deliveries.
