Scholz began three-day visit to China: What is known
Photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz began his three-day tour of China on April 14th. This visit will be the longest since he took office, according to Reuters.
According to the publication, the visit is aimed at "strengthening ties with Germany's main trading partner and addressing differences on issues including China's trade practices and its support for Russia."
"Scholz, who is travelling with several German CEOs, started his trip in the southwestern megacity of Chongqing. He will also go to Shanghai and Beijing where he is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang," the article states.
It is known that upon his arrival, Scholz strongly condemned Iran's strikes on Israel. According to government sources, during the flight, Scholz was briefed on the events in the Middle East. German officials stated that Beijing could play a positive role in cooling down the rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In particular, on April 14th, Scholz will visit a hydrogen fuel cell plant of the German car parts supplier Bosch (ROBG.UL) in Chongqing, "putting in the spotlight on an area of rising tensions."
Germany-China relations
Last year, China played a mediating role between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and Reuters reported that China asked Iran to help restrain attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthis, warning that otherwise, it could harm business relations with Beijing.
However, Berlin's overall position on China has become more critical after the war in Ukraine. Last year, Germany also published its first strategy on China, describing "unfair practices" and supply chain risks in a potential conflict over Taiwan and calling for "risk reduction."
