In blunt language, German officials on Friday said Beijing's support and exports to Russia were enabling Moscow to wage a war of aggression in Ukraine and causing a "growing loss of reputation for China" in Europe and beyond.

In an interview with the taz newspaper, Scholz said he would press China to be a mediator to end the war in Ukraine.

"It is about China not supporting Russia in waging a brutal war against its neighbour Ukraine," he said. "China can also make it clear that this senseless imperialist war must end."