Olaf Scholz Chats with Xi Jinping on Middle East, Ukraine, and Trade
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently had a video conference with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss several pressing issues. According to government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, they conversed about the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as their bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
Following the meeting, Chinese state media reported that Xi urged Scholz to encourage the EU to compete fairly with China. Specifically, Xi reminded the EU of the importance of adhering to market economy and fairness principles and working towards fair competition and free trade with China.
During the discussion on the Middle East, the two leaders touched upon the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and the current situation in the region. Regarding Ukraine, they reaffirmed their stance that a nuclear war should never be waged or won.
EU-China Trade Tensions
European countries are looking to decrease their dependence on China, which has caused tension in their trading relationship. In October, the EU Commission launched an investigation into alleged anti-competitive subsidies dished out to Chinese electric car manufacturers. China immediately rejected these accusations.
In his dialogue with Scholz, Xi stressed the significance of EU-China relations for global stability and the prosperity of the Eurasian continent. He urged both parties to put in efforts to maintain and develop their relationship, which he described as a "responsible major powers" responsibility and "an example of win-win cooperation."
Scholz was the first Western leader to meet with Xi since he consolidated his rule at the Chinese Communist Party Congress last November.
Key Takeaways
- Xi urged Scholz to persuade the EU to adhere to market economy and fairness principles, ultimately aiming for fair competition and free trade between the EU and China.
- Xi emphasized the importance of EU-China relations as strategic partners and essential poles in a multipolar world, urging both parties to invest efforts in maintaining and developing their relationship.
- The EU Commission initiated an investigation into anti-competitive subsidies given to Chinese electric car manufacturers, a move that has strained EU-China trade relationships. China denies these accusations.
