Statements by German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbok allegedly about official Beijing's military support for Russia provoked a sharp reaction from the Chinese government and the media, the Bild tabloid reported today, December 3.
On the eve of her visit to China, which took place the day before, Burbok openly criticized the "economic and military" assistance that official Beijing allegedly provides to Russia.
"Instead of assuming responsibility for peace and global security, China, with its economic and military assistance provided to Russia, goes against our key European interests," she argued.
Already in In Beijing, the head of the German foreign Ministry warned her Chinese colleagues about a "new dimension" in bilateral relations that could come if China authorizes the transfer of certain types of weapons to Russia.
The response of official Beijing was not long in coming. The official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, commenting on the results of Berbok's visit, that China "has repeatedly clearly stated its position on the Ukrainian crisis" and "resolutely rejects groundless accusations, finger-pointing and political manipulation."
The China Daily newspaper also published an article in which it attacked the German Foreign Minister.
"Berbok cannot afford to use his trip as an opportunity to give a lecture to the host party, no matter how tough a position she takes on the Ukrainian crisis. She must recognize that the Ukrainian crisis cannot be resolved by the victory of one of the parties on the battlefield. Peace is achieved not through weapons and sanctions, but through wisdom, flexibility, foresight and foresight," the publication notes.
Earlier, Burbok was repeatedly criticized for harsh statements against the Chinese leadership. In September 2023, the politician, in particular, described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "dictator."