Germany's Baerbock Warns China Over Support for Russia

Germany's Foreign Minister Presses China on Russia, Trade

“Drones from Chinese factories and North Korean troops attacking peace in the center of...”

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned China over its support for Russia and urged constructive engagement on electric vehicle tariffs during her visit to Beijing.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has issued a stern warning to China regarding its support for Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine. During her visit to China on Monday, Baerbock cautioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions are drawing Asia into the conflict. She emphasized that China's alleged supply of drones or drone components to support Moscow's war efforts would have significant consequences for the relationship between China and Germany.

Baerbock's concerns were conveyed during her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. The German Foreign Minister was unequivocal in her statement, declaring, “Drones from Chinese factories and North Korean troops attacking peace in the center of Europe violate our core European security interests.” This assertion underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential repercussions for China's relationships with European nations. Baerbock's warning is also in line with her previous statements, where she emphasized that China's growing support for Russia “will and must have consequences.”

Beijing's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been a topic of concern, as they continue to support Russia while advocating for de-escalation. Notably, China has refrained from condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine. This position has significant implications, and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has emphasized that China's growing support for Russia “will and must have consequences.”

During a recent meeting, another pressing issue on the agenda was trade, specifically the tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged Chinese authorities to “engage constructively” with the European Union to resolve this matter. Interestingly, Germany is one of the few European countries opposed to the EU's tariffs on Chinese EVs, citing concerns that it could negatively impact the market for German cars in China.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the importance of fair competition and reciprocal market conditions during her visit to China, stating that “a level playing field, fair competition and reciprocal market conditions are essential.”

In response, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed concerns that the EU's anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles undermine fair competition and free trade principles. Wang argued that “the EU's imposition of high anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles violates the principles of competition and free trade.”

Beijing is now considering retaliatory measures, which could have significant implications for German carmakers. During her two-day visit, Baerbock is scheduled to meet with representatives of the German business community and address human rights issues. This marks Baerbock's second visit to China as foreign minister, following her previous trip in April 2023.