26 March 2024
Welcome back to China-EU Dynamics – your unparalleled resource for navigating the intricate landscape of China-European relations! In this edition, we illuminate President Xi Jinping and President Joao Lourenco's strategic partnership, Chinese FM's visit to Australia and New Zealand, delve into special envoy Zhang Guoqing's speech on the Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels and Liu Xiaoming's regional security discussions, explore the inaugural China-EU financial working group, and highlight Ambassador Fu Cong's diplomatic engagements. Explore these impactful updates – enjoy your reading!
Major High-Level Events
China and Angola forge comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthening bilateral ties
President Xi Jinping and President Joao Lourenco of Angola convened in Beijing, forging an elevated comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Emphasizing the enduring bond between their nations, they underscored mutual support, solidarity, and the pursuit of common development. Their discussions centred on bolstering bilateral cooperation across various domains, from infrastructure projects to people-to-people exchanges. The meeting culminated in the signing of key cooperation agreements and the issuance of a joint statement cementing their strategic alliance. Read more
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing attends the first Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels
On the first Nuclear Energy Summit, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing said that China stands ready to work with all parties to extend the benefits of nuclear energy development to a broader spectrum of nations. Noting that nuclear energy has unique advantages in addressing climate change and ensuring energy security, China has been following a rational, coordinated and balanced nuclear security strategy put forward by President Xi, and formulated and implemented policies and measures for active, safe and orderly development of nuclear power. Read more
China and Australia reinforce partnership, emphasizing mutual trust and cooperation
Chinese FM Wang Yi met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and held the seventh China-Australia Foreign and Strategic Dialogue with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra. Wang Yi said that the ups and downs of China-Australia relations in the past decade have not only left both sides with lessons to learn from, but also accumulated experience worth cherishing. The most fundamental thing is to uphold mutual respect. The most crucial thing is to stay committed to seeking common ground while shelving differences. The most important thing is to pursue mutual benefit and win-win results. The most precious thing is to remain independent. Since China-Australia relations are on the right track, both sides should have no hesitation, no yawing and no backward steps. Since the course forward has been charted, both sides should strive to make steady, good and sustained progress. This serves the common interests of the two peoples and also meets the common expectation of countries in the region. Read more
China and New Zealand deepen strategic partnership, pioneering new frontiers of cooperation
Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended warm regards from Chinese leaders to Christopher Luxon, highlighting the enduring partnership between China and New Zealand. Emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation, both nations aim to elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights, leveraging their shared commitment to innovation, trade, and global stability. With a decade milestone approaching, they seek to pioneer new avenues of collaboration, fostering a relationship marked by progress and prosperity. Read more
China-Europe Interaction
Liu Xiaoming engages in talks on Northeast Asian security with Swiss, Russian, and EU officials
Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Korean Peninsula Affairs Liu Xiaoming discussed Northeast Asian security and mutual concerns with officials and scholars during the Zermatt Roundtable and visits to Moscow and Brussels. Notable figures included Alexandre Fasel, Andrey Rudenko, and Niclas Kvarnström. Liu advocated for China's stance, promoting dialogue for regional peace. Read more
China-EU financial working group inaugurates, paving the way for enhanced financial cooperation
China's central bank announces the inaugural meeting of the China-EU financial working group in Beijing. Led by Pan Gongsheng of the People's Bank of China and Jorge Toledo, EU Ambassador to China, the gathering focused on macroeconomic stability, regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaboration in various financial domains. Both sides anticipate the group to serve as a vital platform for policy coordination and addressing global economic challenges. Read more
Ambassador’s Activity
Ambassador Fu Cong advances diplomatic dialogue in series of high-level meetings
Ambassador Fu held multiple significant meetings with EU officials and representatives from various countries, including Secretary General of European External Action Service Stefano Sannino, Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization Ian Saunders, Assistant Secretary General of NATO Boris Ruge, Director-General in the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union at the European Commission Gerassimos Thomas, EU Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Stephan Klement, Special Envoy for Climate and Environment of the European External Action Service Tony Agotha, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the EU Bálint Ódor, Head of the Egyptian Mission to the EU Badr Abdelatty and Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the EU Seyed Mohammad Ali Robatjazi. With a spectrum of topics, from China-EU relations to international cooperation on disarmament, climate, and regional stability, these engagements underscored China's proactive diplomacy and its dedication to fostering cooperation and understanding on the global stage.
Ambassador Fu Cong's Op-Ed: Belt and Road Cooperation: A Smart “De-risking” Option for Europe
Global trade faces mounting challenges amidst geopolitical tensions. The ongoing Ukraine crisis and Palestinian-Israeli conflict, coupled with a shipping crisis in the Red Sea, are disrupting supply chains worldwide. Particularly impacting China-EU trade, this crisis underscores the significance of alternative routes such as the China-Europe Railway Express, highlighting the resilience and importance of Belt and Road cooperation amid turbulent times. Full text
China’s Latest News
China's green revolution: Afforestation drive spurs growth and conservation
China's robust afforestation efforts in 2023 saw 3.998 million hectares of forest planted and 4.379 million hectares of grassland restored, contributing to greener landscapes, economic prosperity, and enhanced environmental resilience. From tree-planting initiatives to wetland conservation, China demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development and ecological balance. Read more
Experts Corner
China's whole-process people's democracy: Challenging Western notions
China's whole-process people's democracy challenges Western preconceptions. President Xi Jinping champions democracy as a core value, fostering engagement through feedback mechanisms and party-led oversight. Understanding China's system requires a nuanced perspective. Read more
China's economic evolution: Pioneering new business models reshaping global dynamics
China's economic ascent marks a paradigm shift in global dynamics, shaping discussions from governmental chambers to corporate circles. As the world's second-largest economy and a powerhouse in manufacturing, trade, and innovation, China's rise underscores the emergence of new business models driving its growth trajectory. From digital innovation to green technologies, China's economic evolution bears implications beyond its borders, positioning it as a key influencer in global economic trends. Read more
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of China or our Mission, except those from the official website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, our Mission and other Chinese governmental websites.
Please let us know if you have any suggestions or comments about this newsletter. You can also easily unsubscribe if you do not want to receive it anymore.
