Germany demands China take responsibility for global peace amid concerns about Beijing’s cozy relationship with Moscow and deepening trade disputes threatening economic stability.
Key Takeaways
- Germany called on China to fulfill its “responsibility for global peace” during high-level discussions between Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi focusing on Russia’s war in Ukraine
- The diplomatic exchange comes amid Western concerns about strengthening China-Russia ties since the 2022 Ukraine invasion and coincides with President Trump’s planned conversation with Vladimir Putin
- Germany’s economy faces zero growth in 2025, caught between Trump’s trade policies and ongoing EU-China tensions over electric vehicle tariffs
- Wang Yi cautioned against Germany’s “de-risking” policy while advocating for free trade principles and opposing unilateralism
Germany Urges China to Use Its Influence Over Russia
In a significant diplomatic move, Germany has directly called on China to exercise its substantial influence to help resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The call between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi comes at a critical juncture, with President Trump scheduled to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin about potential ceasefire options. Germany’s foreign ministry made its position clear, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation for European security interests.
“Germany said Monday that China has ‘a responsibility for global peace'” Stated Johann Wadephul.
The timing of Germany’s diplomatic outreach is particularly noteworthy as Western nations continue to express mounting concern about the increasingly close relationship between Beijing and Moscow since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been vocal about these concerns, directly urging China to leverage its relationship with Russia in service of bringing the destructive conflict to an end rather than enabling it to continue. Germany’s pointed message underscores the growing frustration among Western allies about China’s ambiguous stance.
Economic Complications Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The diplomatic tensions between Germany and China are further complicated by their significant economic interdependence. Germany, with its export-driven economy, has substantial business interests in China, particularly in the automotive sector. However, the relationship has grown increasingly strained as Germany pursues what it calls a “de-risking” policy – an effort to reduce excessive economic dependence on China without completely severing ties. This balancing act has become increasingly difficult to maintain as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
During the call, Wang Yi directly addressed these concerns, cautioning Germany against undermining what he described as “normal bilateral cooperation” through its de-risking strategy. The Chinese diplomat specifically highlighted the ongoing dispute over European Union tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles – a policy that Germany actually opposed due to fears of Chinese retaliation against German automakers. This specific trade friction illustrates the complex web of economic interdependence that exists between the two nations and complicates their diplomatic relationship on other fronts.
Trade Pressures Mount from Multiple Directions
Germany’s economy faces growing pressure, with forecasts now predicting zero growth for 2025. This economic stagnation is attributed in part to President Trump’s trade policies, which have placed significant tariffs on Chinese goods while imposing relatively lower tariffs on European exports. Germany’s export-oriented economy is particularly vulnerable to such trade disruptions, creating a precarious economic situation as the country navigates both U.S. and Chinese trade policies simultaneously. The economic challenges add urgency to Germany’s diplomatic efforts.
For his part, Wang Yi presented China’s position as committed to supporting peace, claiming that Beijing seeks to facilitate “a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement through direct dialogue” between the conflicting parties. However, this stance contrasts sharply with China’s continued economic and diplomatic support for Russia during the conflict. Wang also took the opportunity to advocate for upholding free trade principles while opposing unilateralism and protectionism – a message clearly aimed at both European and American trade policies that have increasingly targeted Chinese exports.
