Germany's Scholz urges Xi to use power to curb Ukraine war escalation

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping for support in curbing an escalation in the war in Ukraine, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.

A government spokesman said Scholz had warned Xi of the escalation that the deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine to fight alongside Russian forces represents.

China is the country most likely to have influence over North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

According to media reports, Russia has amassed around 50,000 troops, including more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers, in the western Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces are currently occupying territory, ahead of a major upcoming offensive.

During a surprise advance earlier this year, Ukrainian troops took control of an area of about 1,000 square kilometres in the Kursk region.

Ukrainian authorities say there have been initial clashes between Ukrainian and North Korean soldiers, although this information has not been independently confirmed.

The chancellor also told Xi about his "sobering" recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the government spokesman said.

Scholz said on Monday that he hoped to use the meeting to with Xi to discuss the issue of Chinese arms deliveries to Russia.

"It is always a topic of my talks to warn everyone against supplying lethal weapons to Russia. And that's why that will continue to be the case, a key issue," he said.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has said that the German government believes that China is supporting Russia with drones. Baerbock on Monday threatened China with sanctions over the deliveries.

Scholz and Xi call for peace in meeting

"No one should have to fear their neighbour. A very central principle of peace in the world, which we are certainly working very hard to achieve," Scholz said in a public statement opening the meeting.

That comment could be read as a reference to the conflict in Ukraine, or tensions between China and Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.

Xi warned that global development was at a critical crossroads and that conflicts and disagreements were emerging.

Ensuring security and peace is a test that all countries must face, said Xi.

He said that China is willing to work together with Germany to consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

While the war in Ukraine was at the top of Scholz's agenda, the pair also discussed the recent tariffs imposed by the European Union on the import of electric vehicles from China, China's official news agency Xinhua reported.

Xi reportedly told the German chancellor that China wants to resolve differences through dialogue and hopes that Germany will continue to play a role in this regard.

The pair also discussed the war in the Middle East and economic relations in the 30-minute meeting, the German government spokesman confirmed.