Rio de Janeiro – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday during a Group of 20 summit in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of dialogue on global conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Scholz stressed the necessity for open discussions between the two major economic powers on critical and contentious issues.
“It is important for us to talk about major problems and challenges. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, for example, or dangerous situations we see elsewhere in the world,” Scholz said following his talks with Xi.
The German Chancellor underscored a key principle of international peace: “No one should have to fear their neighbours.” This remark appeared to allude to the situations involving Ukraine and Taiwan, the latter being viewed by China as part of its territory, despite its democratic governance.
The meeting highlighted the strained global landscape, as the war in Ukraine has driven a wedge between Moscow and Kyiv’s Western allies. At the same time, it has led to ongoing strategic conversations between China and Russia.
Beyond geopolitical tensions, Scholz reiterated Germany’s commitment to robust economic cooperation. He stressed the importance of maintaining fair competition: “It is important that we ensure that a level playing field accompanies the economic activities of companies on all sides, that is central to the conditions for future work,” Scholz concluded.