German FM Baerbock Criticizes China's Support for Russia

JAKARTA - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused China of providing weapons to Russia for its war against Ukraine, threatening peace in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

"Instead of being responsible for peace and security in the world as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is actually going against our core European interests with its economic and arms assistance to Russia," Foreign Minister Baerbock said ahead of a visit to Beijing, as reported by Reuters on December 2.

The German Foreign Minister will travel to China this week, where she will meet with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss a range of issues, including the war in Ukraine.

"Putin's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine is a direct threat to our peace," Foreign Minister Baerbock said.

"I will also speak in Beijing about the fact that we cannot simply ignore this in our relations with China," she said.

Foreign Minister Bearbock said the war in Ukraine showed how security in Europe is closely linked to security in Asia.

“If North Korea sends troops and weapons against Ukraine, while Russia supports Pyongyang’s nuclear program, then this threatens peace here and in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

FM Baerbock also added that as Europe’s largest economy, Germany defends its interests just as China defends its own.

“In economic, climate and security policy, the following applies: cooperation where possible, independence where necessary,” the foreign minister said, adding that Germany would not turn a blind eye when others violate international rules to the detriment of German and European industry.