Indeed, rallying unanimous support among member states, each with varying priorities on threats and security, poses significant hurdles. In this regard, Germany has been notably hesitant, with an apparent absence of EU leadership. This could soon change, as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz tweeted and Macron anticipated. The timing of Macron’s vision is tied to the … Read more
Xi mainly repeated well-known phrases. “Together we can breathe more stability and security into the world,” he told the chancellor – and said China was not involved in the Ukraine crisis. But the real message of the trip was somewhat different. Despite Germany’s China strategy published last year – in which Beijing is defined as … Read more
While industrial America complained about being undercut by cheaper competition from China, Webasto became one of Germany’s many “hidden champions” that grew rich off China’s rise. German exports boomed as newly minted Chinese consumers bought their first cars, and factories around the manufacturing heartland needed machine tools and kit. German joint ventures helped school Chinese … Read more
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday for his diplomatic efforts in Beijing to resolve Kyiv’s 25-month-old war with Russia and said China could play a role in securing peace. Ukraine has deployed considerable effort to secure the backing of China, which has close ties with Russia, for a peace summit … Read more
KGermany will send an additional Patriot air defence system to Ukraine to bolster its hard-pressed military and help it fend off increased Russian aerial attacks, Berlin said Saturday. “Russian terror against Ukrainian cities and the country’s infrastructure is causing immeasurable suffering,” said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, announcing the move. “It is jeopardising people’s energy … Read more
Preliminary hearings open on Monday at the United Nations’ top court in a case that seeks an end of German military and other aid to Israel, based on claims that Berlin is “facilitating” acts of genocide and breaches of international law in the Israel-Gaza war. Israel strongly denies its military campaign amounts to breaches of … Read more
During his state visit to Berlin, Marcos made it clear he had “no choice” but to defend his country’s sovereign rights in the area. But the Filipino leader also clarified that he was not just rejecting any proposals China made and that diplomacy was still his preferred option. Scholz, who hosted three Southeast Asian leaders … Read more
His controversial comment about boots on the ground earned an instant and very public recrimination from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and angered US officials who privately say such a move might even risk fomenting a clash with Moscow, according to a senior official familiar with the discussions among allies. Macron’s hints were issued to keep … Read more
Ukraine on Monday summoned the Vatican’s envoy to Kyiv after Pope Francis suggested the country should consider raising “the white flag” against Russia, causing fury in Kyiv. “Due to the statements of Pope Francis, the Apostolic Nuncio was invited to the ministry of foreign affairs of Ukraine,” the ministry said on social media, using the … Read more
A 38-minute recording of talks between German officers was posted late on Friday on Russian social media. The officers were discussing the possible use in Ukraine of German-made Taurus missiles and their potential impact. Topics included aiming the missiles at targets such as a key bridge over the Kerch Strait linking the Russian mainland to … Read more
