Olaf Scholz asks Chinese president to promote end to Russian war on Ukraine

Chinese president Xi Jinping and German chancellor Olaf Scholz: China has offered diplomatic and economic support to Russia and Mr Xi has a close relationship with Vladimir Putin. Photograph: Ding Haitao/Xinhua via AP German chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged Xi Jinping to play a bigger role in securing a just peace in Ukraine, telling him that Russia's invasion affected Europe's core interests. The Chinese leader warned that the conflict was in danger of spiralling out of control but indicated that peace talks may be some way off. "China is not a party to the Ukraine crisis, but has consistently promoted…