Germany's Scholz tests China ties with inaugural visit, to discuss Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (pictured) arrived in China for a one-day visit on Friday (4 November). He is the first G7 leader to visit since COVID-19 began. President Xi Jinping has consolidated his power with a third term as Communist Party general secretary.

Scholz's ruling coalition is calling for a rethinking of Germany's China policy. There are also growing concerns about Berlin's dependence on China as a global economic powerhouse.

A survey by ARD broadcaster revealed that one in two Germans would like for Germany to be more independent of China. The results were published on Thursday.

China has been Germany’s largest trading partner over the past six-years, with volumes exceeding €245 billion in 2021.

During Scholz's trip, where Xi and Li Keqiang will meet, the German Chancellor is likely to discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine. This discussion could help China convince Russia to stop hostilities.

Scholz was also asked to press China on human rights and opening its markets. However, it remains to be seen if the visit will lead to any significant change.

"If Scholz thinks he will make China publically criticize in any manner Russia's wars and threats to Europe, he wouldn't be surprised," said Shi Yinhong, a Renmin University professor in Beijing.

China has been careful since Russia's invasion. It criticizes Western sanctions against Russia, but does not endorse or assist Moscow in its military campaign.

Xi did however voice his concern about Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their September meeting.

'TESTING THE WATERS'

Wang Yiwei, director of Renmin University's Centre for European Studies, stated that Scholz's visit is significant because it marks the first time in three decades that a leader from a major west power has met face-to-face.

"It's testing the waters of China-Germany relations, Europe, and even the West," Wang stated that Macron would visit China a month later if the visit is successful.

According to sources from Germany, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, had suggested that Scholz goes to Beijing together as a sign of EU unity. However, Scholz declined this offer.

Berlin has given China permission to take over a stake at a Hamburg port terminal, despite the opposition of coalition partners and concerns from America.

Renmin University's Shi stated that Germany's current economic condition, which includes historic inflation and looming recess, is behind Berlin's traditional China policies and its more friendly attitude towards Beijing than other NATO countries.

Scholz will be joined by a delegation of business leaders, including chief executives from Siemens, BMW, and Volkswagen. However, no company deals have been planned, according to a German government source.

Omid Nouripour of the Greens party, who was leading the charge, said that Scholz should have brought with him people and organizations that are prohibited from entering the country.

Funke Media Group quoted Nouripour as saying: "In addition to economic exchange, it needs to be a more clear condemnation of human rights restraints and a strategy to reduce dependencies in the critical areas."

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