Chancellor Scholz warns China: Don't send weapons to Russian 'aggressor'

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By Euronews  with AFP
FILE: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at a press conference in Berlin, Wednesday, March 1, 2023
FILE: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at a press conference in Berlin, Wednesday, March 1, 2023   -  Copyright  AP

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned China not to send weapons to Russia. 

It comes as Germany and other partners are holding talks with the government in Kyiv about "future security commitments for Ukraine," Scholz said Thursday. 

"It is clear that we will help Ukraine to achieve peace," the German leader warned before the lower house of the German parliament, the Bundestag.

Markus Schreiber/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers his speech at the German parliament BundestagMarkus Schreiber/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved

"That is why we are discussing with Kyiv and other partners future security commitments for Ukraine," explained Scholz, who will meet with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday. 

"But promises of security presuppose imperatively that Ukraine will successfully defend itself in this war," the chancellor argued, promising that Germany would continue its aid to Ukraine. 

"The question remains: is (Vladimir) Putin ready to negotiate a return to principles and a just peace? For the moment, there is nothing to suggest this," said Scholz.

Chancellor Scholz also appealed to China, which is suspected by Washington of wanting to deliver weapons to Moscow.

"My message to Beijing is clear: use your influence in Moscow to demand the withdrawal of Russian troops. And do not provide weapons to the Russian aggressor," warned Scholz.