Germany's top diplomat met in Beijing with her counterpart Wang Yi for a "strategic dialogue", as Berlin seeks to build better ties with China while engaging on key differences.

Baerbock told Wang that "increasing Chinese support for Russia's war against Ukraine has an impact on our relations," according to a readout by the German foreign ministry.

"Core German and European security interests are affected," she said.

China presents itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine war and says it is not sending lethal assistance to either side, unlike the United States and other Western nations.

But it remains a close political and economic ally of Russia and NATO members have branded Beijing a "decisive enabler" of the war, which it has never condemned.

Baerbock also Monday urged Chinese authorities to "engage constructively" with the European Union over tariffs levied on Chinese electric vehicles.

"A level playing field, fair competition and reciprocal market conditions are essential," she said, according to her spokesperson.

The EU in October decided to impose extra tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars, after an anti-subsidy probe concluded Beijing's state subsidies were unfairly undercutting European automakers.

Once they come into effect, the tariffs will be definitive and last for five years.

The duties will come on top of the current 10 percent on imports of electric vehicles from China.

bur-oho/rsc

CORE LABORATORIES