Germany's Scholz arrives in China on a visit marked by trade tensions and Ukraine conflict
Apr 14, 2024
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in China on a visit focused on the increasingly tense economic relationship between the sides and differences over Russia's invasion of Ukraine
BEIJING (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in China on Sunday on a visit focused on the increasingly tense economic relationship between the sides and differences over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Scholz's first destination was the industrial hub of Chongqing, where he and his delegation of ministers and business leaders were to visit a partially German-funded company and other sites in the vast city, which is a production base for China’s auto and other industries.
Scholz is also scheduled to visit the financial hub of Shanghai during his three-day visit, before traveling to the capital, Beijing, to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
German companies such as BMW and Volkswagen are highly reliant on the Chinese market, even as Beijing's support for Russia creates frictions with the West.
Germany's economy has benefited from China's demand for investment and manufactured items from cars to chemicals, but those ties have frayed amid increasing competition from Chinese companies and tightened regulations. Political interference has also been blamed for a sharp drop in foreign investment.
German companies have argued they face unfair market barriers in China and the government has pushed for a policy of “de-risking” to reduce reliance on the Chinese market and suppliers.
Despite that, China remained Germany's top trading partner for the eighth straight year in 2023, with 254.1 billion euros ($271 billion) in goods and services exchanged between the sides, slightly more than what Germany traded with the U.S.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed Scholz descending from his plane in Chonqing and leaving in a motorcade, but did not carry any comments made to the welcoming delegation.
Prior to his arrival, Scholz posted on social platform X that he had discussed the “massive” Russian air attacks on civilian energy infrastructure with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, and declared that Berlin will “stand unbreakably by Ukraine’s side.”
China has refused to criticize Russian aggression. It has maintained trade relations with President Vladimir Putin’s government and aligned its foreign policy with Moscow in opposition to the U.S.-led liberal political order, while touting its authoritarian one-party system as a superior alternative.
MORE NEWS
Dinosaur's rare skeleton is one of the world's most expensive fossils, fetches over USD 47 million against expected estimate worth around USD 9 million
Nanotyrannus was about half the length of an adult T. rex, and the two creatures coexisted during the Cretaceous period some 67 million years ago.
Eric Swalwell controversy: Who is Stephen Cloobeck? Why has FBI raided billionaire donor's Beverly Hills mansion?
Stephen Cloobeck, who founded the Diamond Resorts International timeshare company and ran last year for California governor, contributed more than $23,000 to Swalwell’s congressional campaigns since 2017, federal campaign finance records show.
TVS Motor’s Venu Srinivasan and daughter Lakshmi file caveats against each other over inheritance
Venu Srinivasan and his daughter Lakshmi Venu have initiated caveats against each other regarding family business matters. The filings occurred in Chennai’s civil and commercial courts earlier this month. While Venu and his son Sudarshan claim a previous agreement exists, Lakshmi is advocating for a fair settlement. Mallika and Lakshmi have expressed their intention for an amicable resolution through discussions.
We are aware of everything, will decide: Supreme Court on Chief Election Commissioner row
The Supreme Court has issued a notice regarding a plea from Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen. The plea challenges the changes made to Form 6 by the Election Commission of India. During the hearing, senior advocates presented arguments on the perceived tampering of electoral roll forms. The Election Commission defended its actions, asserting that decisions were made unanimously.
Delhi may raise agricultural land circle rates to ₹5 crore per acre
The proposed changes seek to bridge the gap between official land valuations and market prices across Delhi’s districts and localities
Nations get moving on Paris Climate Accord, but the pace is slow: UNFCCC
The reports assess the progress countries have made towards tackling climate change and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Countries are investing in the clean energy transition, adapting to the impacts of climate change and building resilience, and there are international financial flows to climate action, the reports said.
Congress says Election Commission of India's 'affidavit to Supreme Court deceptive'
Congress has accused the Election Commission of India of engaging in deceptive practices related to Form 6. The party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh highlighted inconsistencies in the ECI's affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court. Ramesh criticised the ECI for claiming unanimity in decision-making while revealing widespread media allegations of malpractice. The allegations suggest serious legal violations by the Chief Election Commissioner.
India in striking distance of 8% growth as reforms boost economy: Shaktikanta Das
Das said the BFSI sector has a crucial role to play in India's journey from a lower-middle-income economy to a high-income economy, through its intermediation in allocation of financial resources. He said the sector would be required to support India's next-gen Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), be the frontline of green and transition finance and become the catalyst for democratising financial inclusion to support this journey.
Grand Theft Auto VI may be locked at 30 FPS on PS5, Xbox Series X, Series S and PS5 Pro: Report
Grand Theft Auto VI is set to release on November 19, 2026, exclusively for the latest gaming consoles. There are indications that the game could be limited to 30 FPS, which may impact overall gaming experiences. However, it is expected to showcase incredible graphics and a richly populated open world. Although a PC version is still under wraps, it could potentially deliver superior performance on advanced setups.