German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged China to use its influence on Moscow to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to swiftly end its war on Ukraine.
“We are counting on credible and concrete efforts by China, on its considerable influence on Russia, to end this conflict,” Wadephul said during a press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi who is visiting Berlin.
He said he “appealed to Wang to use the opportunities available to bring Russia to the negotiating table.”
He also emphasized how important it was for China to do everything in its power to prevent war-related goods from reaching Russia and prolonging the war, Wadephul said.
“That would further undermine our stability and security here in Europe, in Asia and worldwide.”
It is essential that a permanent member of the UN Security Council such as China assume global responsibility for peace and security, he said.
Wadephul also said he had no doubt that Wang understood this and “that we can also count on Chinese support to reach this solution as quickly as possible.”
Of the conflict over Iran’s nuclear programme, Wadephul said he thought China could play “a major and constructive role” here.
In response, Wang said China “understands Europe’s legitimate concerns very well,” according to the official translation.
China is striving for peace and a negotiated solution, Wang said.
Beijing does not supply lethal weapons to the parties to the conflict in Ukraine and controls the export of dual-use goods that can be used for both military and civilian purposes, including the export of drones.
Wang underlined that Beijing wants to focus on economic development with the new German government.
Wadephul spoke clearly about the issues where Berlin and Beijing do not see eye to eye. “We certainly do not always agree on a number of important issues. These include human rights issues,” he said, adding, “But that will not prevent us from having a constructive exchange and finding solutions.” Close economic ties are an important pillar for this.
Of the ongoing trade dispute with China over tariffs, Wadephul called for fair competition and reciprocity in regulations. “Market-distorting practices hurt us all,” he said. The EU opposes this jointly and has “the entire toolbox of the European Union at its disposal” to do so.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (R) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shake hands at the end of their joint press conference following their meeting in Berlin. Michael Kappeler/dpa
