11 April 2024
Welcome back to China-EU Dynamics! In this edition, we delve into the recent discussions between President Xi Jinping and President Biden, focusing on efforts to stabilize China-U.S. relations. We also explore Premier Li Qiang's diplomatic meetings with French Foreign Minister and the Minister President of Bavaria, Germany, offering insights into key bilateral and international developments. Recent interactions between China and Europe are not to miss. Additionally, we follow Ambassador Fu Cong as he bids farewell to Brussels, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the China-EU partnership. Enjoy your reading!
Major High-Level Events
Xi-Biden call: Paving the path for stable China-U.S. relations
In a pivotal phone conversation, President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden charted a course for stable China-U.S. relations. Xi stressed that the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations, and urged the U.S. side to translate commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence” into concrete actions. Xi noted that the U.S. side has adopted a string of measures to suppress China’s trade and technology development, and is adding more and more Chinese entities to its sanctions lists. This is not “de-risking,” but creating risks. If the U.S. is adamant on depriving China of its legitimate right to development, China is not going to sit back and watch, Xi said. Read more
Xi Jinping and Dutch PM Rutte elevate bilateral relations amidst global challenges
The encounter between President Xi Jinping and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte marks a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral relations amidst a backdrop of global complexities. Highlighting that the Netherlands has become a veritable "gateway" for China-EU cooperation, Xi rejects the mindset of zero-sum game characterized by binary opposition, and emphasises that a genuinely secure world should be one featuring deep integration and interdependence. With a shared commitment to fostering cooperation across multiple domains, including trade, investment, and technological innovation, both leaders reaffirm their dedication to mutual prosperity and collaborative engagement for a more interconnected world. Read more
China and France: 60 years of strong diplomatic relations
Premier Li Qiang met with French FM Stéphane Séjourné, highlighting the pivotal 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations. Both sides reaffirm their commitment to deepen cooperation across various sectors as green energy, scientific and technological innovation, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and digital economy, while prioritizing mutual benefit and global stability. Amidst global challenges, the strategic partnership between China and France aims to foster multilateral cooperation and address pressing international issues, reinforcing their roles as responsible major countries on the world stage. Read more
Premier Li Qiang seeks enhanced cooperation with Bavaria, Germany
During a meeting with Markus Soeder, minister-president of Bavaria, Germany, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasised the importance of strengthening economic and trade ties between China and Bavaria. Highlighting Bavaria's significant role in bilateral relations, Li expressed China's commitment to deepening cooperation, particularly in such areas as innovation, clean energy, and cultural exchange. Both sides affirmed their opposition to economic decoupling and pledged to foster mutual benefits through continued collaboration and market access enhancements. Read more
China-Europe Interaction
Chinese Commerce Minister expresses stance on Chinese EV development and the anti-dumping probe into EU brandy
During his visit in France, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said that Chinese EV manufacturers' rapid development is a result of constant tech innovations, a well-established supply chain system and market competition, not subsidies. And China's anti-dumping probe into imported brandy from the EU does not target any EU member nor has any pre-set investigation results, and China will conduct the probe in line with Chinese laws and WTO rules to fully ensure the rights of related parties.
Ambassador’s Activity
Ambassador Fu Cong bids farewell to Brussels, highlights China-EU partnership
Ambassador Fu Cong, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, bid a fond farewell to Brussels during a farewell reception attended by nearly 400 guests. Reflecting on his tenure, Fu emphasized the enduring importance of China-EU relations and highlighted achievements in various areas of cooperation. Expressing gratitude for support and friendship, he reiterated China's commitment to building bridges of understanding and mutual benefit with the EU. Fu also outlined China's economic development trajectory and called for continued collaboration to navigate global challenges and promote common development. Read more
Ambassador Fu Cong's farewell visits
Before endding his tenure, Fu Cong paid a series of farewell visits to the EU officials and representatives of other countries to the EU, including the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis, the Managing Director for Asia and Pacific at European External Action Service Niclas Kvarnström, the President of the European Economic and Social Committee Oliver Röpke, the Permanent Representative of France to the EU Philippe Leglise-Costa as well as the Representative of the UN System in the EU Camilla Brückner. Fu reiterated China's commitment to deepening cooperation and promoting stability in a complex global landscape, and underscored the significance of sustained dialogue and collaboration between China and its European partners amidst evolving challenges and opportunities.
China’s Latest News
President Xi Jinping leads tree planting drive, calls for nationwide afforestation efforts
President Xi Jinping spearheaded a voluntary tree planting activity in Beijing,underscoring the importance of collective action in afforestation to enhance China's natural beauty. Joined by other leaders and locals, Xi emphasized the significance of environmental stewardship and encouraged participation from all segments of society, especially the youth. As China commemorates the 45th anniversary of National Tree Planting Day, Xi urged sustained efforts to address forest resource scarcity and promote large-scale greening initiatives. Read more
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks Regarding Philippine Comments on the South China Sea
Nansha Qundao, including Ren’ai Jiao, has always been China’s territory. By “grounding” a military vessel at Ren’ai Jiao in 1999, the Philippines gravely violated China’s territorial sovereignty.
After China's serious démarches, the Philippines promised to tow away its illegally grounded warship, but 25 years on, its warship is still there.
The Philippines promised it will not reinforce the grounded warship and will inform China in advance of resupply plans, but made attempts to send construction materials for large-scale repair and reinforcement of the warship in order to build permanent structures on Ren’ai Jiao.
The Philippines violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) jointly signed by China and ASEAN countries, which stipulates that Parties should refrain from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals and other features. Ren’ai Jiao is uninhabited.
The real cause of the current tensions at sea is that backed by external forces, the Philippines has broken its promise to China, violated China’s sovereignty and kept provoking China.
The Philippines needs to immediately stop violating China’s sovereignty and its provocations, and return to observing the spirit of the DOC. China will not waver in its resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Full remarks
Travel boom in China during Qingming holiday boosts business opportunities
The 4th China International Consumer Products Expo is around the corner
Experts Corner
China’s huge capacity boost for producing green tech is a risk? Definitely not.
Western countries should raise their net-zero ambitions, rather than refusing irrationally green tech supplies coming from China. 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.
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