German Chancellor Olaf Scholz began a three-day visit to China on Sunday to strengthen ties with its main trading partner and resolve differences over Beijing's support for Moscow. This was reported by UNN with reference to Reuters.
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Scholz, who is traveling with several German company executives, began his trip in the southwestern metropolis of Chongqing. He will also visit Shanghai and Beijing, where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.
Upon his arrival, Scholz condemned Iranian strikes on Israel "in the strongest possible terms." According to government sources, Scholz was constantly briefed on events in the Middle East during the flight.
German officials have said that Beijing can play a positive role in reducing tensions in the Middle East, which are rapidly rising.
However, according to Reuters, Berlin's overall stance on China has become more critical after the war in Ukraine.
On Sunday, Scholz will visit German automotive supplier Bosch's hydrogen fuel cell plant in Chongqing, drawing attention to an area of growing tension.
Scholz is also expected to address China's support for Russia. German officials on Friday explicitly stated that Beijing's support and exports to Russia enable Moscow to wage an aggressive war in Ukraine and cause "a growing loss of China's reputation" in Europe and beyond.