RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Monday that he would discuss the delivery of dual-use goods with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit. This follows reports indicating that a Chinese factory is manufacturing military drones for Russia.

Military Cooperation

Sources from a European intelligence agency revealed that Russia has forged a weapons program with China to develop long-range attack drones to use in its conflict with Ukraine.

The European Union has consistently urged all nations, including China, to refrain from providing material or supportive aid to Russia since the onset of its full invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Foreign Minister's Statement

Earlier, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock commented that any Chinese support for drones must have consequences.

Scholz's Position

When asked if he would address these concerns with Xi, Scholz affirmed his long-standing stance against supplying lethal weapons to Russia. He emphasized the importance of discussing dual-use goods with caution, stating, "We must not be naive."

Scholz also intends to express his disapproval regarding the deployment of North Korean soldiers in the Ukraine conflict, labeling it as a "terrible change."

U.S. Airstrike Authorization

Regarding the U.S. decision to allow long-range Ukrainian airstrikes on Russia, Scholz clarified that Germany would not follow suit or supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus cruise missiles. He noted that deploying such missiles would effectively drag Germany into the war, a scenario he opposes, stating, "That is something I cannot and do not want to do."

Despite this, he acknowledged that the powerful weapons Germany has already provided should not penetrate deep into Russian territory, with a specific exception for Kharkiv, since it is located near the Russian border.