Scholz wants Xi to force Russia to stop the war. Xi wants Europe to stop trade war — Politico comments on the results of the first day of talks between the leaders of China and Germany in Beijing.

During the meeting with Scholz, Xi noted that Beijing "does not pose a security threat," so Sino-German cooperation should not be perceived as an (investment) risk.

"Whether it is traditional industries such as machinery and automobiles, or new areas such as green transition, digitalization or artificial intelligence, the two countries have enormous potential for mutually beneficial cooperation," Xi said.

Scholz, surrounded by a business delegation of top German executives eager to preserve their lucrative business prospects in China, focused his opening remarks not on trade but on Ukraine, urging Xi to do more to promote a just peace there:

"Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and Russia's rearmament have had a very significant negative impact on security in Europe. It directly affects our core interests."

In turn, Xi offered no new commitments to Ukraine:

"All our efforts are aimed at the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis and the timely convening of an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine."

He called for "equal participation of all parties and discussion of all peace plans" — a strong hint that Europe should invite Russia to the negotiating table.

Xi also urged the West not to "add fuel to the fire," an apparent reference to stopping arms deliveries to Ukraine.