EU criticizes German Chancellor over visit to China

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (China). Photo: AP

The French publication wrote: "(Chancellor) Scholz is acting contrary to the general European line. Berlin's policy towards Beijing can only succeed if it is combined with European policy."

The article notes that the EU's doctrine on China is based on realpolitik in some areas, emphasizing Beijing as a negotiating partner, especially in the climate area, while being a rival in some areas.

The author of Le Figaro said that Chancellor Scholz has been accused of acting alone in the Ukraine issue, and now he has aggravated the situation by going to Beijing with major German businessmen.

According to the journalist of Le Figaro, France also believes that Europe needs to pursue a common policy with Beijing, so President Emmanuel Macron should have made a trip to China with Chancellor Scholz.

The newspaper cited an example: in 2019, when President Macron received Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Elysee Palace, the French leader also invited then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel and then-President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker to attend the talks together. However, today, relations between Paris and Berlin are no longer as warm, specifically, according to Reuters news agency, Chancellor Scholz refused President Macron's offer to visit China together./.