Statements on the sidelines of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last week caused international uproar. On the flight back, Macron indirectly said that Europe could become a vassal between the US and China if it does not position itself as a third pole in the Taiwan conflict. In his opinion, one should not become a “follower” (see video above). In Germany, Macron’s statements were read as distancing himself from the US and were sometimes heavily criticized. Critical notes also came from the US. Amid this somewhat heated atmosphere, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has landed in China.
The Green politician arrived in the port city of Tianjin on Thursday for her two-day inaugural visit to China. Given China’s support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine and the situation in Taiwan, the visit is likely to be one of the most difficult diplomatic missions in Baerbock’s term to date. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has a special responsibility, Baerbock said before her departure on Wednesday. “What role China plays in its influence on Russia will affect all of Europe and our relationship with China,” she said, referring to Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Referring to Macron’s remarks, which had been interpreted in part as suggesting that the EU would remain neutral in the event of an attack on Taiwan, Baerbock said her visit would also underline “the common European conviction” that a unilateral change in status quo in the Taiwan Strait and military escalation would be unacceptable. The Beijing government considers democratically governed Taiwan a renegade province and does not rule out the use of military force.
The German minister called for the reduction of Europe’s dependence on China. In that context, she pointed out the importance of the Taiwan Strait to the 42-year-old: “50 percent of world trade flows through it every day.” However, that does not mean that people want to disconnect from China. After their talks in China, Baerbock will continue to fly to South Korea and Japan.
Also President of Brazil in China
Nowadays, high-ranking politicians from all over the world are really shaking hands in China. Because the Brazilian head of state Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was also in the Middle Kingdom on Thursday. A meeting with the Chinese president is scheduled for Friday. At the same time, the relationship between the two BRICS countries (an association of emerging economies consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, ed.) must be put back in order. Because under Lula’s predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, a lot of porcelain broke. According to media reports, about 20 bilateral agreements will be concluded during the Brazilian visit.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
