Scholz is only Western leader to honour Xi
OLAF SCHOLZ became the only Western leader to congratulate Xi Jinping on starting his third term as president of China yesterday, when he wished him “every success”.
In a short note, the German chancellor stated that: “I would like to congratulate you warmly on your third term as President of the People’s Republic of China.”
It followed Vladimir Putin congratulating the Chinese leader last week and also came as Mr Xi said that he was strengthening China’s military to form a “Great Wall of Steel” in his first speech since beginning his record third term.
Western governments have stayed silent over a the new term that is seen as paving the way for Xi to become a de facto dictator for life.
Mr Scholz, who controversially visited Beijing in November during heightened tensions in the strait of Taiwan, has repeatedly emphasised that he continues to see China as an important partner.
He is accused of underestimating the threat from China, much as Angela Merkel was said to have misjudged Russia.
Reports emerged yesterday that Germany’s new defence minister has replaced the head of the armed forces, following comments last year about the strength of the Russian military.
Officials at the defence ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Gen Eberhard Zorn would be succeeded by Maj Gen Carsten Breuer.
Zorn, 63, had held the position since 2018. He had drawn fire last September with an interview in which he appeared to doubt the capability of the Ukrainian military to counter Russian forces.
In his speech yesterday, Mr Xi called for China to step up its ability to safeguard national security and manage public security.