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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warns China of ‘fundamental differences’ over human rights
- The comments made to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi may signal a change of approach in the post-Angela Merkel era
- Wang urges his German counterpart to avoid ‘megaphone diplomacy’ as he calls on the new government to continue cooperating with Beijing
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China has urged Germany to avoid “megaphone diplomacy” in a meeting where the new German foreign minister highlighted “fundamental differences” on human rights – a possible sign that Berlin may take a more critical stance than under Angela Merkel.
In the first online meeting with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the two countries had to lead the relationship between China and Europe.
A statement from the foreign ministry in Beijing said the two nations agreed to boost high-level financial, diplomatic and security dialogue.
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“On the basis of mutual respect, we should conduct an equal dialogue on issues such as human rights and democracy, enhance mutual understanding and not engage in megaphone diplomacy,” the statement said, highlighting Beijing’s dislike of other countries making their criticisms public.
But Baerbock highlighted “fundamental differences” with China on human rights – signalling a possible change in approach under the new government.
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A statement released by her office after the meeting said that while close cooperation with China was important in many areas, such as tackling climate change and environmental policy, respect for international law and the rules-based international order were also needed.
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