Almost all of Europe thinks that China will supply weapons to Russia in the Ukraine War. The first person to put forward this idea was the United States of America (USA). In this context, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is skeptical of China’s ceasefire proposal regarding the war in Ukraine. [1]On this subject, Pistorious used the following statements: [2]
““I have heard reports that while China plans to supply kamikaze drones to Russia, it is also presenting a peace plan. Which I don’t know if these are true or not. So I propose to judge China by its actions, not its words.” .”
On the other hand, Pistorius underlined that it is up to Kiev to decide when and under what conditions negotiations with Moscow will begin. The German Minister claimed that the same situation applies to any decision regarding the recovery of Crimea. [3]
Normally, Germany might view China’s offers to end the war in Ukraine moderately. However, Europe cannot think healthily and independently because it is under the siege of the USA. In other words, US propaganda is effective throughout Europe.
Western powers are united to defeat Russia in Ukraine. Europe will overreact to any support given to Russia in such a period, whether it comes from China or another country. Germany does not actually aim to take a position against China. He is in favor of continuing economic cooperation with him. Germany does not trust China’s statements. However, looking at China’s current actions, he sees no reason to become enemies with it.
In short, Germany does not want China to be unfairly judged and marginalized by the West. In other words, if China’s arms support for Russia is proven, then it advocates taking action. Otherwise, making negative claims about China is a product of the Cold War mentality and will lead to polarization. In November 2022, Germany announced to the world that it was against the Cold War mentality together with China.
As a matter of fact, while Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock from the Green Party in Germany pressured the Scholz Government to take a more hawkish line against Beijing and place more emphasis on human rights, the leader of the Social Democratic Party and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was more vocal. known to support a trade-friendly stance.[4] Chancellor Scholz underlines Berlin’s move to diversify its trading partners, saying Germany is “committed to actively expanding its economic relations with Asia and beyond.”[5]
Perhaps the one that acts most restrained in Europe is Germany and then there is France. These two countries are the leading countries that prevent Continental Europe from becoming enemies with China. More clearly, Germany and France are trying to keep Continental Europe away from the hostile policies of the USA and England.
In this context, the divergence is mainly between transatlantic actors such as the USA and the UK, and Continental Europe led by France and Germany. As a matter of fact, while Washington and London advocate a tougher and more aggressive policy against Moscow; Berlin and Paris are in favor of a more moderate policy within the scope of economic interests, energy crisis and interdependence. At this point, it can be argued that there is pressure on Germany in the context of the Russia-Ukraine War. As a matter of fact, it can be claimed that external dynamics can play a decisive role in the situation in question. Because the pressure of anti-Russian Eastern European countries such as Poland against Berlin may trigger a crisis process, just as seen in the Leopard tanks incident.
As a result, it can be predicted that the division within Europe regarding the Russia-Ukraine War will continue and in this context, the conflicts within the European Union (EU) will increase. It can be argued that such a situation has caused divisions in the view towards China and that the Western Bloc will experience divisions in its view of Beijing in the future.
[1] “China Should be Judged by its Actions, not Words, German Defence Minister Says”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/china-should-be-judged-by-its-actions-not-words-german-defence-minister-2023-02-26/, (Erişim Tarihi: 06.09.2023).
[2] “China Should Be Judged By Its Actions, Not Words: Germany Defence Minister”, NDTV World, https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/china-should-be-judged-by-its-actions-not-words-germany-defence-minister-381617, (Erişim Tarihi: 06.09.2023).
[3] “German Defence Minister: China Should be Judged by its Actions, not its Words”, Malay Mail, https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2023/02/26/german-defence-minister-china-should-be-judged-by-its-actions-not-its-words/56892, (Erişim Tarihi: 06.09.2023).
[4] “Germany Unveils New Policy to Deal With More ‘Assertive’ China”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/7/13/germany-unveils-new-policy-to-deal-with-more-assertive-china, (Erişim Tarihi: 08.09.2023).
[5] “Germany Unveils New Strategy To Deal With More ‘Assertive’ China: Scholz”, Barrons, https://www.barrons.com/news/germany-unveils-new-strategy-to-deal-with-more-assertive-china-scholz-8c1aa017, (Erişim Tarihi: 08.09.2023).
