BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday warned Beijing against using force to change the status quo with Taiwan and expressed concern about the human rights situation in China, days later. having held bilateral talks with the new Chinese Prime Minister.
Scholz told German lawmakers that Berlin wants constructive relations with China because the country plays a key role in addressing global issues such as food security, climate change and poverty.
“At the same time, we have clearly urged China to abide by international rules,” he said of a recent statement from the major Group of Seven economies. court of another – this is true for Europe as much as anywhere else in the world.”
“We strongly reject all attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Sea by force or coercion,” Scholz said. “This is especially true for Taiwan.”
Beijing considers the self-governing island part of China and has expanded its military presence in the region.
“We also view with concern the human rights situation and the rule of law in China,” he added. “I underlined these messages the day before yesterday during the German-Chinese government consultations.”
Scholz’s comments in parliament were significantly stronger than his public remarks during a joint statement on Tuesday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who was making his first trip abroad since taking over as leader of the world’s second-largest economy. World as Prime Minister in March. The Chancellor did not mention Taiwan explicitly when speaking alongside Li.
Journalists were not allowed to ask questions at the event, a decision Scholz’s office attributed to the wishes of the Chinese delegation.