11 March 2024
Welcome back to China-EU Dynamics – your unparalleled resource for navigating the landscape of China-European relations! In this edition, we shed light on the "Two Sessions", the most important yearly political agenda in China, which gives people around the world a crucial window to observe the tendandy of China's domestic & foreign policy, especially on China-EU relations. We will also lead you to the latest shuttle diplomacy by Chinese Special Representitive of Eurasia Li Hui in Brussels, Moscow and Kiev, contributing China's peace efforts to the Ukraine Crisis. Don't forget Ambassador Fu Cong's insightful discussion with students & faculty at KU Leuven on China-EU higher education cooperation, people-to-people exchange, China-EU relations & hotspot issues. Explore all this and more – enjoy your reading!
China’s Two Sessions
China's Two Sessions unveils ambitious goals for 2024 amid global challenges
The 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) commenced annual sessions in Beijing, attended by Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping. Premier Li Qiang delivered a comprehensive government work report, highlighting accomplishments in 2023 amidst a complex international environment. Addressing challenges, Li outlined major targets for 2024, aiming for 5% GDP growth, creation of 12 million urban jobs, and a 3% CPI increase. The report emphasised high-quality development, pursuing higher-standard opening up, advancing energy revolution, opposing "Taiwan independence" and external interference, and upholding international fairness and justice.
FM Wang Yi's important remarks on China's foreign policy
On March 7 2024, a press conference was held on the margins of the Second Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, during which FM Wang Yi answered questions from Chinese and foreign media about China’s foreign policy and external relations. Key points:
▶️China to firmly be a force for peace, stability, progress;
▶️Building community with shared future for humanity has become banner leading progress of times;
▶️Peaceful coexistence is the bottom line of China-U.S. relations;
▶️Calling on early negotiations on Ukraine crisis to bring peace at early date;
▶️New China-Africa summit to be held in Beijing in autumn;
▶️China supports Palestine in becoming full member of UN;
▶️China will never allow Taiwan to be separated from motherland;
▶️China to respond to provocations with prompt, legitimate countermeasures in South China Sea;
▶️China emphasizes development, security in global governance of AI.
China-Europe Interaction
Special Representative of China Conduct the 2nd Round of Shuttle Diplomacy on the Ukraine Crisis
From March 2, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui met with Chief Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the European Council Simon Mordue, high officials of the European External Action Service Niclas Kvarnström and Michael Siebert, Russian Deputy FM Galuzin Mikhail Yuryevich, Ukrainian FM Dmytro Kuleba, Head of the International Security Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Gabriel Luechinger, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski. Li had candid and in-depth exchanges of views on the situation in Ukraine and the peace talks with all sides, contributing Chinese wisdom to seek a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
FM Wang Yi expresses hope for "green lights at every crossing" for China-EU relations
According to Wang, facts have shown that labeling China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival at the same time is neither consistent with reality nor viable. It’s like driving to a crossing and finding the red, yellow and green lights all on at the same time. How can you drive on? The two sides should be characterized rightly as partners. Cooperation should be the defining feature of the relationship, autonomy its key value, and win-win its future. He emphasized that a strong Europe is in the long-term interests of China. Likewise, a strong China is also in the fundamental interests of Europe. In today’s world, as long as China and Europe engage in mutually beneficial cooperation, no attempt to create bloc confrontation will succeed; as long as China and Europe stay committed to openness and win-win, deglobalization will not prevail.
China initiates visa-free trial for 6 more European nations
Foreign Minister Wang Yi announces visa-free trial for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg from March 14, which will further promote people-to-people exchange between China and Europe. Wang also urges more countries to simplify visa processes for Chinese citizens, fostering efficient cross-border travel networks, enhancing travel convenience and welcoming international visitors in China. Read more
Ambassador’s Activity
Pathways to increased knowledge and understanding through Mobility in Higher Education
Ambassador Fu Cong, in an engaging address at KU Leuven, reflects on the enduring ties between China and Europe, emphasizing cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and the growing positive aspects in China-EU relations. Highlighting the vital role of youth in shaping the future, Ambassador Fu encourages intensified interactions between Chinese and European youth, fostering mutual understanding. Fu also exchanged with experts and students on hot issues of China-EU relations and the current situation of the world.
China’s Latest News
Optimism prevails: Majority of companies plan reinvestment in China
The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) reports that 76% of 183 surveyed companies are optimistic about China's market growth. Among them, 76% plan to reinvest in China in 2024, with 45% focusing on sales, marketing, and business development. The study, representing various regions and industries, reveals that 86% won't decouple from China due to US-China trade tensions. Primary drivers for increased investments include the potential growth of the Chinese market, industrial cluster effect, and preferential policies. Guangzhou remains a top investment destination. Read more
China boosts openness, lifts mobile payment limits, streamlining verification for seamless global transactions, enhancing accessibility.
Experts Corner
China and EU forge stronger ties: Experts explore opportunities for collaboration
Experts from China and Europe highlight new cooperation prospects among China, Central and Eastern European Countries and the EU at a seminar, hosted by the China-CEE Institute. Underlined the transformative potential of crises such as the Ukraine crisis in reshaping EU-China relations, the experts underscore China's growth and openness, welcoming the EU to tap into China's vast market. Read more
French experts welcome Chinese wisdom on global human rights governance
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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