German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock encountered an awkward diplomatic moment during her recent visit to China. Upon her arrival, she was surprised to find that no Chinese officials were present to welcome her, a diplomatic protocol typically extended to foreign dignitaries. This incident was captured in a video shared on social media, sparking reactions worldwide. Baerbock, seen disembarking from the plane alone and looking around in confusion, reportedly did not receive the customary official reception, a move seen by some analysts as a potential snub from Chinese authorities.
Watch:
🇩🇪🇨🇳 German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock didn't receive a formal welcome from local officials upon arriving in China, and she looked disoriented, unlike a high-ranking official. pic.twitter.com/SbMqzTpjqO
— King Chelsea Ug 🇺🇬🇷🇺 (@ug_chelsea) October 28, 2024
The visit to Beijing, which followed an earlier meeting between Baerbock and China’s top diplomat Wang Yi at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, was intended to address various critical issues, including the Ukraine conflict and regional tensions in the Middle East. The diplomatic cold shoulder from China comes amid an increasingly complex relationship between China and Germany, marked by differences over human rights, trade policies, and geopolitical alignments. Germany, under Baerbock’s leadership, has been vocal in its criticism of China’s policies in Xinjiang and its stance on Taiwan, positioning itself closer to the U.S. in a strategic shift away from dependency on Chinese trade.
The incident quickly went viral, with some netizens mocking Baerbock, suggesting she “wasn’t that important,” while others criticised China’s treatment of the German minister, interpreting it as a reflection of China’s dwindling regard for European leaders. In response to the incident, some commentators suggested that the absence of a Chinese reception might indicate a deteriorating diplomatic tone between the two nations, particularly in light of Germany’s recent alignment with U.S. foreign policy on matters concerning China.
Baerbock’s reception, or lack thereof, highlights the shifting dynamics in Sino-European relations, especially as the EU increasingly scrutinises China’s global influence.
