9 December 2024

Welcome to China-EU dynamics! In this edition, we bring you the latest China-Europe interactions. We also delve into the 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo and the country’s "green Great Wall". Of course, don't miss the "1+10" dialogue between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and heads of 10 international economic organizations. Enjoy reading!

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS BETWEEN CHINA AND EUROPE

Strengthen economic and trade cooperation. Chinese Premier Li Qiang had a phone call with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on November 27. Premier Li expressed China's commitment to deepening economic and trade exchanges with the Netherlands while adhering to the principle of mutual benefit. Li  highlighted China's readiness to maintain close communication with the new Dutch government and to collaborate in fostering the positive momentum in China-Netherlands relations.

Prime Minister Schoof reaffirmed the Netherlands' strong commitment to its relationship with China and the Dutch government’s firm adherence to the one-China policy. Schoof emphasized the Netherlands' role as a gateway for China’s cooperation with Europe and expressed eagerness to further enhance collaboration in economic, trade, and other sectors.

Deepen traditional friendship. China's top legislator Zhao Leji conducted an official goodwill visit to Europe, meeting with heads of state, government officials, and legislative leaders in Spain, Portugal and Greece. Zhao expressed China's readiness to collaborate with the three European countries to advance both bilateral ties and China-Europe relations, and received positive responses.

Demonstrate responsibilities as major countries. During the 7th round of the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security held in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that the more volatile the world becomes, the more important it is for major countries to stay focused and maintain stability in major-country relations. Noting that differences between China and Germany should not become obstacles to cooperation or reasons for confrontation, Wang urged both sides to uphold the underlining tone of dialogue and cooperation, discard Cold War and confrontation mentality, and work together to fend off external risks and address global challenges. 

Wang highlighted concerns over the EU’s anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, stating that such measures violate the principles of fair competition and free trade. He expressed the hope that Germany and Europe would view China's development objectively and rationally, adopt an active and pragmatic policy, and properly handle trade disputes through dialogue and consultation.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock affirmed Germany's strong commitment to its relationship with China and reiterated the German government's adherence to the one-China policy. She stated that Germany supports ongoing negotiations between the EU and China on anti-subsidy measures for electric vehicles, with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.

Promote bilateral cooperation and China-EU ties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi  held talks with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto in Beijing. Wang expressed the hope that the new EU institutions will adhere to the orientation and cooperative tone of the China-EU partnership, view China's development objectively, pursue a positive and pragmatic policy toward China, and promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-EU relations.

Szijjarto said Hungary is committed to promoting the positive and healthy development of EU-China relations and is willing to work with China to promote world peace and stability.

Another important visit to EU headquarters. Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun was in town and held separate meetings with EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth Iliana Ivanova,  the President of the European Research Council Maria Leptin, and Science Europe Secretary General Lidia Borrell-Damian. 

CHINA RAMPS UP OPENING UP EFFORTS

Biggest certainty China's economy provides to the world economy. During the  "1+10" dialogue with heads of 10 international economic organizations in Beijing on Dec.9, Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed that China's economy is underpinned by a system that ensures steady growth, has additional space for sustaining growth, and produces positive spillovers. "The underlying logic supporting China's positive economic outlook remains unchanged, and the overall goal and principle of benefiting the world remains unchanged".

Connecting the world for a shared future. China held the world's first national-level supply chian expo for the second consecutive year. The 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) held in Shanghai saw the participation of over 1,000 exhibitors from 69 countries and regions, 200,000 visitors, and the signing of more than 210 cooperation and intention agreements worth about 21.17 billion U.S. dollars.

China will continue to take concrete actions to keep global industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and work with all countries to jointly build an open world economy.

A name card of China’s reform and opening up. The “MFA Presenting Hainan Free Trade Port to the World” event was held at Chinese Foreign Ministry several days ago. In his speech, Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that China will adhere to open, innovation-driven, green, inclusive and peaceful development. We welcome all parties to board the express train of China’s development and partner with China for economic success. "Choosing China means choosing opportunities, and embracing China means embracing the future", Wang said.

Broader opening in healthcare sector. China unveiled an action plan to allow the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in some major cities: Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing in Jiangsu province, Fuzhou in Fujian province, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province, as well as the island province of Hainan. 

JOIN HANDS TO MAKE PLANET EARTH GREENER

China's remarkable achievements in controlling desertification have garnered global attention during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). 

China’s largest and the world’s second-largest desert, the Taklimakan is now completely encircled by a green belt stretching 3,046 km as of late November, thanks to more than four decades of efforts as part of China's Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, the world's largest afforestation program to tackle desertification.

Click the video below to see China's "green Great Wall" .

NEWS FROM OUR MISSION

Ambassador Cai Run met with Jochum Haakma, Chairman of EU–China Business Association, and Bernard Dewit, Chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce respectively. The ambassador had friendly and in-depth exchanges of views on China-EU economic and trade relations with the two business leaders. 

Comment by our mission's spokesperson on the European Parliament's Hong Kong-related resolution.

EXPERTS CORNER

Finally, congratulations on the inscription of Spring Festival on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or the "Spring Festival" in China, is the oldest and the most important traditional festival in Chinese culture. The next Spring Festival will fall on January 29, 2025. Welcome friends from all over the world, especially those from Europe to go to China and experience the rich and wonderful Spring Festival culture!

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.

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