German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed that they jointly oppose the use of nuclear forces over Ukraine.

Scholz held talks with Xi during his visit to China on Friday. He became the first G7 leader to visit the country since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

They discussed several topics, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Scholz told reporters after their meeting that he agreed with Xi that nuclear threats are irresponsible and incendiary.

China's Foreign Ministry says Xi told Scholz that the international community should oppose the use of or the threat to use nuclear weapons.

In front of the reporters, Scholz stressed he successfully drew China's opposition to nuclear forces. He said many people will think it was right for them to discuss Russia's invasion and an escalation that should not happen in the conflict.

Scholz is being criticized for prioritizing economic relations with China despite growing concerns over the country's human rights abuses and maritime expansion.

Xi is apparently trying to ease such concerns and draw Germany to China's side by showing consideration for the issue of Russia's nuclear threat.