During an upcoming visit to Beijing on April 16, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to urge Chinese President Xi Jinping to stop any form of assistance to Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Scholz's primary goal is to persuade China to show less allegiance to Moscow, especially concerning military supplies and dual-use goods.
Chancellor Scholz will emphasize the importance of not aiding Russia's efforts in Ukraine.
This call to action includes urging all nations to adhere to sanctions and refraining from supplying weapons.
"No one should help Russia achieve success in the Ukrainian conflict," Scholz stated according to Lenta, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
International Concerns Over China's Role
According to Reuters, there are indications that China has been helping Russia enhance its defense capabilities to levels not seen since the Soviet era.
Allegedly, Beijing has provided Moscow with drone and missile technology, satellite images, and manufacturing equipment. However, American officials have noted that China has not supplied lethal weapons directly.
Newsweek reported suspicions from the U.S. that China might also be aiding Russia with intelligence and satellite imagery, which could target Ukrainian military positions.
Despite these allegations, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, denied China's involvement in the conflict or the arms trade, stating,
"China is not a manufacturer [of arms] or a party involved in the conflict in Ukraine. We play a constructive role in facilitating a political settlement."
The U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed concerns about Beijing's efforts to assist Moscow in rebuilding its military-industrial complex.
According to a senior U.S. administration official, Russia has been a significant topic in diplomatic talks with China from the onset of the Ukraine conflict, with particular attention on lethal aid and the potential use of nuclear weapons.
