German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has vowed to raise concerns with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit over reports that a Chinese factory is producing military drones for Russia. The controversy stems from European intelligence sources, which alleges that Russia has established a weapons program in China to manufacture long-range attack drones for its war in Ukraine.
This development has raised alarms across the European Union, with leaders emphasizing the importance of global neutrality and discouraging material or logistical support for Russia’s military ambitions.
Scholz has consistently warned against the delivery of lethal weapons to Russia, highlighting the risks posed by dual-use goods—civilian items with potential military applications. Addressing the issue on Monday, he reiterated Germany’s vigilance on the matter, cautioning that “we must not be naive” about such practices.
Dual-use goods have been a contentious issue in international relations, particularly in the context of sanctions aimed at curbing Russia’s military capabilities. Scholz plans to discuss these concerns with Xi Jinping, emphasizing transparency and accountability in trade practices.
Scholz also intends to confront Xi about reports of North Korean soldiers being deployed in Ukraine. Calling it a “terrible change,” he stressed the need for collective opposition to external interventions that exacerbate the ongoing conflict.
The European Union has repeatedly urged nations, including China, to refrain from aiding Russia’s war efforts, which began with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The EU has enacted a series of economic sanctions against Russia and has emphasized that any support to Russia—whether direct or indirect—undermines international law and global stability.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed this sentiment earlier on Monday, stating that Chinese drone assistance to Russia “must and will have consequences.” Baerbock’s firm stance reflects growing European frustration with the alleged role of third parties in sustaining Russia’s war machine.
The allegations against China highlight the growing complexities in global geopolitics. While China has denied providing military aid to Russia, its role as a major trade partner and political ally to Moscow has drawn increased scrutiny from Western powers.
The alleged drone manufacturing operation reportedly aims to bolster Russia’s long-range strike capabilities, which are critical in its war against Ukraine. If substantiated, such actions would contradict Beijing’s claims of neutrality in the conflict.
China has maintained that it seeks a peaceful resolution to the war but has faced criticism for its reluctance to condemn Russia’s invasion outright. Scholz’s meeting with Xi at the G20 is expected to serve as a litmus test for China’s commitment to global peace and adherence to international norms.
Meanwhile, Scholz has reaffirmed Germany’s refusal to provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus cruise missiles, despite mounting pressure from Kyiv and other Western allies. Scholz argued that supplying such weapons could entangle Germany directly in the conflict, as their deployment would require German involvement in target selection.
“That is something I cannot and do not want to do,” Scholz said, underscoring Germany’s cautious approach to military aid. He emphasized that weapons already supplied, such as Leopard tanks and air defense systems, are intended for defensive purposes and not for deep strikes into Russian territory.
Scholz made an exception for Kharkiv, a northeastern Ukrainian city near the Russian border, which has been repeatedly targeted by cross-border attacks. This, he argued, justified the use of German-supplied weapons for localized counterattacks.
The allegations of Chinese involvement and Germany’s diplomatic maneuvering come at a critical juncture in the war. Ukraine continues to push for advanced weaponry from Western allies to counter Russian aggression. However, the escalation of military support risks broadening the conflict, a scenario that Germany and other European nations seek to avoid.
The United States has taken a more aggressive stance, recently authorizing long-range Ukrainian airstrikes on Russian territory. While this decision underscores U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s defense, it also raises questions about the potential for unintended escalation. Scholz’s refusal to follow Washington’s lead reflects Germany’s effort to balance support for Ukraine with caution against becoming a direct party to the war.
Scholz’s discussions with Xi at the G20 summit will be closely watched by the international community. As Europe’s largest economy and a key advocate for multilateral diplomacy, Germany’s position carries significant weight in shaping global responses to the conflict.
The meeting also poses a challenge for Xi Jinping, who must navigate growing tensions with the West while maintaining China’s strategic partnership with Russia. The allegations of drone production have further complicated China’s efforts to portray itself as a neutral actor in the war.
The G20 summit, hosted this year in Rio de Janeiro, has become a focal point for addressing global crises, including the war in Ukraine. The conflict’s ripple effects—ranging from energy disruptions to food security concerns—underscore the need for concerted international action.
Scholz’s agenda reflects broader European priorities at the summit, including calls for greater accountability from nations accused of indirectly supporting Russia. The outcome of his discussions with Xi could influence not only the trajectory of the war but also the future of EU-China relations.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has tested the resilience of international alliances and the efficacy of global governance structures like the G20. As world leaders convene, the stakes are higher than ever. Diplomatic efforts to address alleged support for Russia, whether through dual-use goods or direct military aid, are crucial in shaping the war’s outcome and preserving the post-World War II international order.
Germany’s proactive stance, exemplified by Scholz’s engagement with Xi, reflects a commitment to these principles. The question remains whether other global powers, particularly China, will rise to meet the moment or continue to walk the fine line between neutrality and complicity.
