Scholz will visit China to discuss war in Ukraine and Beijing's influence on Russia
Photo: Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit China this week to discuss the war in Ukraine with Chinese officials, according to a spokesperson for the German government, Steffen Hebestreit.
According to Hebestreit, Scholz wants to assess the extent to which China can influence Russia and its full-scale war against Ukraine.
"We would like China to use its influence on Russia to promote a more peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian conflict," added the German government spokesperson.
China's position on the war in Ukraine
China's stance on the war in Ukraine has been ambiguous. Specifically, Chinese authorities have refrained from condemning Russia's invasion and maintain diplomatic relations with Moscow.
Moreover, China has disclosed its plan to resolve the war in Ukraine, which does not involve the withdrawal of occupying forces from Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine is actively seeking China's support and has invited representatives from Beijing to a global summit to discuss a peace formula. The leaders' meeting is planned to be held in Switzerland, possibly as soon as June.
Recently, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne stated that France expects very clear signals from China to Russia regarding the war in Ukraine.
