German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged Beijing to take a clear stance in the war, saying that neutrality was the same as taking the side of the aggressor.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Tuesday said China could play an influential role in ending the war in Ukraine “if it decides to do so.”
Baerbock was speaking to reporters after a meeting with her Chinese counterpart in Beijing, saying that “as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China can play a significant role in ending the war, if it decides to do so.”
Baerbock is hosting Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who then travels to France and Norway.
China’s government claims neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and hopes that its peace plan to mediate in the war would cement that position. Beijing has blocked efforts at the United Nations to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukrraine.
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“As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and responsible major country, China will neither watch the fire from the other bank nor add fuel to the fire,” Qin told reporters alongside Baerbock.
But Baerbock pressed Beijing to take a clear stance in the war, saying “neutrality means taking the side of the aggressor, and that is why our guiding principle is to make it clear that we are on the side of the victim.”
Baerbock welcomed recent statements by the Chinese government confirming the sovereignty of countries that once made up the Soviet Union, adding that the position must hold for Ukraine, too.
China’s special envoy for Europe was expected to visit Ukraine again soon too, Qin said.
