German foreign minister criticizes Beijing's support for Russia

2/12/2024 6:07

        German Foreign Minister
        Annalena Baerbock has accused China of providing Russia with
        weapons for its war against Ukraine and threatening peace in
        Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
        
        “Instead of taking responsibility for peace and security in
        the world as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council,
        China is opposing our core European interests with its economic
        and weapons aid to Russia,” Baerbock said in a statement ahead
        of a visit to Beijing.
        
        The German foreign minister will travel to China next week,
        where she will meet with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to
        discuss issues including the war in Ukraine.
        “Putin’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine is a direct
        threat to our peace," Baerbock said. "I will also speak in
        Beijing about the fact that we cannot simply ignore this in our
        relations with China.”
        
        The war in Ukraine shows how security in Europe is
        inextricably linked with that in Asia, she noted.
        
        "If North Korea sends soldiers and weapons against Ukraine,
        while Russia supports Pyongyang's nuclear programme, then this
        jeopardises peace both here and in the Indo-Pacific," Baerbock
        said.
        
        Baerbock also said that as Europe's largest economy, Germany
        stands up for its interests just as much as China stands up for
        its own.
        
        "In economic, climate and security policy, the following
        applies: cooperation where possible, independence where
        necessary," the foreign minister said, adding that Germany would
        not turn a blind eye when others violate international rules to
        the detriment of German and European industry.