China made ‘absolutely no deals’ for Liu Xia’s release, German envoy says
Michael Clauss recalls difficulties of negotiations, saying ‘seeing her being released was one of the most joyful moments’ of his five years in Beijing
Beijing did not ask for anything in return for releasing artist and poet Liu Xia and allowing her to go to Berlin last month, according to the German ambassador to China.
The 57-year-old widow of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent political prisoner Liu Xiaobo arrived in Germany last month after spending nearly eight years under house arrest in China. Her release prompted speculation over whether any political concessions had been made for her freedom at a time when Beijing is locked in a trade war with Washington and could use a strong European ally.
Liu Xia’s release coincided with Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Germany last month, but ambassador Michael Clauss, who is nearing the end of a five-year posting in China, dismissed the idea that any deal was made.
“There was some speculation in the media about a possible political or business deal related to Liu Xia’s release. I can confirm there were absolutely no such deals,” Clauss said.
He added that the pivotal moment which turned around Liu Xia’s situation came after German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited China in May.
