German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is due to meet her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday to discuss allegations that China is supplying drones or drone components to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Baerbock recently warned Beijing that such actions would have consequences.

The EU is currently preparing a 15th sanctions package against Russia, which will partly target China-based companies involved in manufacturing drones for Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Beijing regularly calls for de-escalation in the face of the Russian war of aggression and is considering, according to its own statements, a political solution to the conflict.

However, Beijing is considered Moscow’s most important source of support and has not condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

The ongoing trade conflict between the EU and China is also likely to be at the heart of discussions, particularly over proposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Beijing is considering retaliatory measures, which could have an impact on German car manufacturers.

During his visit, Baerbock is expected to meet representatives of the German business community and discuss human rights issues.

This is the third meeting between Baerbock and Wang this year. They last met three months ago at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following a discussion in February at the Munich Security Conference.

This is Baerbock’s second visit to China as foreign minister, following his first trip in April 2023.