German media were reportedly expelled from a meeting between Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on Monday, according to Handelsblatt. The meeting became tense when Baerbock accused China of exacerbating the Ukraine conflict by allegedly supporting Russia’s military efforts. German media expelled from German-Chinese FM meeting were reported removed from the room.
Baerbock reiterated Germany’s claim that China is supplying drones and other military equipment to Russia. After the meeting, she described the discussions as “clear in content and friendly in tone,” but once again claimed that “drones from Chinese factories and North Korean troops” were “attacking peace in the middle of Europe” and threatening Europe’s security interests. However, she did not provide evidence to support her claim, which China has consistently denied.
Beijing strongly disapproved of Baerbock’s statements and actions during her visit, calling them an unprecedented diplomatic incident. A Chinese spokesperson described the accusations as “unacceptable,” stating, “The attempted manipulation is unacceptable.”
Following the criticism, Chinese security forces reportedly removed the German press, and the remainder of the talks were held behind closed doors. No joint press conference or communiqué followed the meeting.
Before her visit to Beijing, Baerbock had already condemned China for allegedly aiding Russia in the conflict and urged the international community to apply more pressure on Beijing for a resolution. Last month, she even threatened sanctions against China over unverified reports of a drone factory in China producing equipment for Russia.
China, however, dismissed the allegations as “baseless speculation” and “vilification,” insisting it “handles the export of military products prudently and responsibly.” A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, stated that China has never supplied lethal weapons to any party in the conflict and strictly controls the export of military and dual-use drones in accordance with its laws.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement after the meeting, saying Wang Yi had “comprehensively” explained China’s commitment to peace and dialogue. Wang also emphasised that Germany and China should develop relations based on mutual respect and understanding, and that these relations should not be influenced by third parties.
