29 January 2024

Welcome to this week's China-EU Dynamics! In our last edition before the Spring Festival 2024, we will explore the recent major high-level events, China-EU interactions, China's unique role in the Global South, China's latest news, as well as Ambassador Fu Cong's take in his special interview with Bloomberg and Op-Ed on Euractiv. We will also take you to the amazing lantern show in Shanghai celebrating the coming Year of Dragon. Enjoy reading! 

Major high-level events 

Xi delivers video speech to reception celebrating 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a video speech commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France, underscored the historical significance of the relationship initiated by Mao Zedong and Charles de Gaulle during the Cold War. Xi highlighted the "China-France spirit" of independence and mutual benefit, urging both nations to build on their shared history. He called for continued stability amid global uncertainties, fostering cultural exchanges, and expanding cooperation in emerging fields such as green industries. President Macron echoed the sentiment, emphasizing joint efforts to address global challenges and strengthen the France-China partnership through 2024, designated as the Year of Culture and Tourism. The leaders aim to celebrate the milestone with events, promoting a solid foundation for future bilateral relations. Watch the video

Li Qiang Attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 and Delivered a Special Address

Premier Li Qiang addressed the World Economic Forum, emphasising the theme 'Rebuilding Trust' in an era of global transformation. Proposing a five-point plan, he advocates for strengthened global cooperation, emphasising macroeconomic policy coordination, green development, and science and technology collaboration. Li underlined China's commitment to trust through consistent actions, highlighting its role as a global development engine with a supersize market. China pledges further openness, inviting global investments. The address reflects China's dedication to inclusive, sustainable growth and its pivotal role in shaping a post-pandemic world. Read more

Wang Yi Holds Meetings with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan

FM Wang Yi and U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had candid, substantive and productive strategic communication last week. Two side are willing to implement the common understandings reached between the two heads of state at the summit meeting in San Francisco, and properly handle important and sensitive issues in China-U.S. relations. Wang stressed that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair, U.S. must abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués, translate its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence" into action and support China's peaceful reunification. Wang also pointed out that every country has its national security concerns, but these concerns must be legitimate and reasonable. There should be no politicizing or overstretching of the concept of security, nor can these concerns be used to suppress and contain other countries' development. The two sides agreed to further discuss the boundary between national security and economic activities. Read more

China-EU interactions

Xi congratulates Danish King Frederik X on enthronement

President Xi Jinping sent congratulations to new Danish King Frederik X on his accession to the throne. He said he highly regards the development of China-Denmark relations, and is willing to work with King Frederik X to constantly elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples. Read more

Li Qiang Met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

Premier Li Qiang met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Davos, highlighting the strategic significance of stable China-EU relations amid global changes, emphasizing that deepening relations with the EU is always a diplomatic priority for China. Affirming China's commitment to partnership, Li stressed that both sides should stick to dialogue and cooperation, pursue mutual benefit and win-win results, and properly handle differences based on the principle of mutual understanding and mutual respect, aiming for a relationship more stable, constructive, reciprocal and global. He proposed increased imports from the EU, urged eased export restrictions on high-tech products, and advocated for balanced trade development. Li emphasized China's dedication to a world-class business environment and adherence to market norms. Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged China's openness, expressing the EU's commitment to deepening cooperation, fostering dialogue, and enhancing EU-China relations. Read more

The 15th China-EU Economic and Financial Dialogue held in Beijing

The 15th China-EU Economic and Financial Dialogue was successfully held in Beijing on January 22. Economic and financial officials from two sides engaged in an in-depth discussion on the macroeconomic situation of China and Europe, the cooperation under the framework of the G20, jointly maintain financial stability and promote the development of the financial industry .

Xi'an launches 18th China-Europe freight route to Poti, Georgia, strengthening global trade hub

Xi'an inaugurates its 18th China-Europe freight train route, connecting to Poti, Georgia. The route, utilizing multimodal rail-sea-rail transport, spans 7,829 km, carrying 55 containers of goods. Departing from Xi'an, it traverses Khorgos, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, reaching Poti in approximately 15 days. This expansion is a testament to Xi'an's increasing role in global trade, with 5,351 China-Europe freight trains handled in 2023, showcasing a 15.3% YoY growth. The city has become a vital hub, serving 45 countries and regions across Eurasia since the service's launch in 2013. Read more

China in the Global South

Ambassador’s take

Ambassador Fu Cong’s Interview with the Bloomberg

On January 22, 2024, Ambassador Fu Cong, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, had an exclusive interview with Kevin Whitelaw, Brussels Bureau Chief of Bloomberg and his colleague Tom Hancock. Highlights:

▶️Imposing high tariffs or other kinds of measures will hurt not only Chinese companies but also European companies. Furthermore, it will hurt Europe’s effort for green transition.

▶️Accusations launched against the Chinese car industry are not fair. "Overcapacity" is even more shaky.

▶️Closing down can only hurt economy.

▶️Don’t ever underestimate the ingenuity of the Chinese scientists and engineers on the issue of lithography machines.

▶️China and the EU have a big role to play in a turbulent world.

▶️People can rest assured that China will not be absent from peace efforts on Ukraine.

▶️Piecemeal actions aimed at hollowing out the one-China principle is not acceptable.

Ambassador Fu Cong reflects on 20 Years of China-EU partnership, advocating for a shared future amid global challenges

In his Op-Ed on Euractiv, Ambassador Fu reflects on the significance of 2023, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. Correct mutual perception is crucial for a thriving relationship, addressing misperceptions about China's role in the international order and economic cooperation. The ambassador emphasizes China's commitment to multipolarity, true multilateralism, and universally beneficial economic globalization. China seeks common ground with the EU, opposing bloc rivalry and a new Cold War, aiming to build a community with a shared future for mankind.Full text

China’s Latest News

Breaking Diplomatic Waves: China and Nauru ink historic pact to revitalize relations

China and Nauru officially resume diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, signing a joint communique in Beijing.  Nauru commits to severing "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan, refraining from official exchanges. Both nations pledge to exchange ambassadors, facilitating the establishment of embassies. Read more

China unveils white paper on law-based counterterrorism, advocates global collaboration

China's State Council Information Office releases a white paper titled "China's Legal Framework and Measures for Counterterrorism," emphasizing the global responsibility to combat terrorism. The paper highlights China's law-based counterterrorism efforts, showcasing a sound legal framework and commitment to protecting human rights. It underscores China's contribution to global security and stability, advocating for counterterrorism approaches aligned with UN norms and national legal institutions. China expresses willingness to collaborate with other nations for a shared future and effective global governance against terrorism. Read more

Expert’s corner 

WEF Chairman Klaus Schwab confident in China's economic future and continued growth potential

Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), expresses confidence in China's economic future during an interview at the WEF Annual Meeting. Reflecting on China's impressive development since 1979, Schwab notes the transformative journey from an underdeveloped nation to a technological leader. Despite challenges like an aging society and debt concerns, Schwab believes China will overcome them, discovering new patterns of economic growth. He highlights China's potential for further development and economic dynamism, emphasizing the country's resilience in addressing challenges. Read more

Foreign bank economists bullish on China's economy: Robust growth, consumption, and manufacturing ascendancy fuel confidence

Several leading economists from foreign banks express strong confidence in China's economy, citing its impressive 5.2% year-on-year GDP growth in 2023. Key drivers include robust consumption contributing 82.5% to GDP growth, a notable rebound in export volume, and the manufacturing industry's ascent, accounting for 30% of global value. The experts anticipate positive growth in fixed-asset investment, affirm China's policy leverage for economic stability, and highlight the nation's allure for foreign investors, with record-breaking foreign investment and the ongoing opening-up of the financial sector. Read more

Amazing China

Chinese New Year is just around the corner! Lanterns and light shows, as part of the celebrations for the upcoming Spring Festival, illuminated Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai. Click the video to experience the atmosphere of the Year of the Dragon. Wish everybody a happy Chinese New Year!

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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