German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President Joe Biden | File photo | Photo Credit: AP
US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met on Friday, mainly focusing on the war in Ukraine, China and other matters, amid signs of tension between the transatlantic partners.
Sitting next to Mr. Scholz in the Oval Office, Mr. Biden thanked the German leader for his “profound” support on Ukraine and Mr. Scholz said it was important to send the message that the support would continue “as long as it takes and As long as necessary.”
Mr. Biden applauded Mr. Scholz’s decision to increase military spending and worked in lockstep with the United States and other allies to support Ukraine.
“As NATO allies, we are strengthening the alliance,” he said.
The two leaders were expected to meet for an hour, including a one-on-one conversation in the Oval Office. After Mr. Biden and Mr. Scholz met, the United States announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine totaling $400 million.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the meeting was an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss coordination on Ukraine.
Mr. Scholz’s visit came days after Mr. Biden’s security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Mr. Biden only sent Abrams tanks to Ukraine because Mr. Scholz made it a precondition for sending German Leopards.
Mr Sullivan said Mr Biden’s decision came against the advice of his military ABC News, Berlin has insisted that Mr. Biden came to see that it was necessary and that the decision was therefore taken by consent.
Scholz’s trip comes at a time when the United States has told close allies about the possibility of imposing sanctions on China if Beijing blames Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to four US officials and other sources. Provides military support.
Neither Washington nor Berlin say they have seen evidence of Beijing providing arms to Moscow, but US officials say they are closely monitoring the situation.
Ms. Jean-Pierre said, “We have not yet seen China do anything, as it pertains to lethal weapons.” “Whatever move China takes towards Russia, it makes it difficult for China with Europe and other countries around the world.”
Germany, which has generally taken a far less hardline stance on its top trading partner China than the United States, has suggested China could play a role in bringing about peace – a prospect that many China observers view with skepticism .
A senior administration official underlined the close coordination between Berlin and Washington, and welcomed Mr Scholz’s speech to parliament on Thursday, in which he urged China not to arm Moscow and urged Beijing to withdraw its forces from Russia. Asked to pressurize to take.
Last month, a delegation of US officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, attended an annual security gathering in Munich, at which many praised Germany for its support of Ukraine, for which defense and foreign policy are important. There was a need for a change in our approach.
US officials say Scholz may well raise concerns about US subsidies for climate-friendly technologies under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which Germany argues puts its companies at a disadvantage. and contribute to attracting firms.
Critics say the IRA was a slap in the face to Europe from its biggest ally at a time when Europe was already struggling with high energy prices due to the Ukraine war.
A US-EU task force is meeting on the issue, but Washington says the tax credits will lower costs for clean energy globally.