China Asks Germany To Initiate Kyiv-Moscow Peace Talks

In a much-scrutinized meeting Friday with visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine and warned against the conflict going nuclear.

Photo Insert: The German leader was in Beijing for a one-day visit that has drawn criticism over China’s tacit support for Russia

The German leader was in Beijing for a one-day visit that has drawn criticism over China’s tacit support for Russia, lingering controversies over economic ties, and human rights issues. It came after Xi further cemented his authoritarian rule at a major Communist Party congress last month.

Scholz’s visit reflects the importance of Germany’s trade ties with China, the world’s second-largest economy, particularly in the auto and manufacturing sectors.

Mercedes Benz alone sold 758,863 cars in China last year, more than in any other country, according to company figures.

Scholz, who traveled with several top German business leaders, received a formal welcome from Xi, who was recently reappointed head of the ruling Communist Party for a third term, at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing.

“At present, the international situation is complex and changeable,” Xi was quoted as telling Scholz by state broadcaster CCTV. “As influential powers, China and Germany should work together in times of change and chaos to make more contributions to world peace and development.”

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