Germany's Scholz to Confront Xi on Drones Supplying Russia at G20 Summit

In a crucial diplomatic move, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Monday that he will engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming G20 summit regarding the controversial delivery of dual-use goods, particularly in light of alarming reports about a Chinese factory involved in manufacturing military drones intended for Russia.

This concern stems from a September report by European intelligence sources indicating that Russia has initiated a weapons program in China, specifically targeting the development and production of long-range attack drones. These drones are expected to bolster Russia's military operations in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which escalated significantly following the full-scale invasion launched in 2022.

The European Union has consistently voiced its apprehensions, urging nations worldwide, including China, to refrain from providing any military support to Russia. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reiterated this stance, declaring that any Chinese military assistance could have serious repercussions.

Chancellor Scholz expressed his commitment to address this issue directly during his discussions with Xi. He highlighted his long-standing warnings against supplying lethal weapons to Russia and emphasized the importance of scrutinizing dual-use goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes. "We must not be naive," Scholz stated, acknowledging the diverse practices regarding such supplies.

Moreover, Scholz plans to voice his concerns about North Korean troops' involvement in the conflict, labeling it a "terrible change" that signifies an alarming shift in geopolitical dynamics.

When questioned about the United States' recent decision to permit Ukrainian forces to conduct long-range strikes on Russian targets, Scholz clarified Germany's position, stating that the nation would not emulate this action by supplying long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. For Scholz, sharing responsibility for target control would implicate Germany directly in the conflict, a scenario he is both unwilling and unprepared to embrace.

While he underlined Germany's readiness to provide Ukraine with powerful weaponry, he made it clear that these arms should not be utilized to strike deep within Russian territory. However, he made an exception for Kharkiv, which has faced assaults originating from just across the Russian border, suggesting that defensive measures were justified in this context.

As the world watches closely, the outcomes of the G20 summit could profoundly influence the geopolitical landscape, particularly as tensions rise surrounding military collaboration between China and Russia.