23 February 2024

Welcome to this week's China-EU Dynamics! Get ready for a sparkling edition covering all the latest developments and marking an exciting start to the Year of the Dragon. Dive into President Xi's congratulations to Finland's new president, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's successive activities in Europe. Explore news from the post-pandemic era, German investments in China, vibrant Spring Festival celebrations, and much more!

Major high-level events 

Keynote speech by FM Wang Yi at the 60th Munich Security Conference

Amid global turbulence, China has been and will be a force for stability in proming cooperation among major countries, addressing hotspot issues, enhancing global governance and promoting global growth.

China and Europe should understand the international responsibilities on their shoulders. It is imperative that China and Europe stay clear of geopolitical and ideological distractions, see each other as partners rather than rivals, and join hands to inject positive energy into a volatile world and point the way for overcoming difficulties together. 

On the Ukraine crisis, China has never given up on promoting peace or slackened its efforts to facilitate talks. President Xi Jinping had in-depth exchanges with world leaders including Russian and Ukrainian leaders. China also published its position paper on the matter, and its special envoy traveled intensively to mediate among different parties.

The Chinese economy is showing a more robust momentum of long-term growth. “The next China is still China.” Those who attempt to shut China out in the name of de-risking will make a historic mistake. The world economy is like a big ocean that cannot be cut into isolated lakes. The trend toward economic globalization cannot be reversed. Full text

Wang Yi meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken

On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Wang and Blinken had a candid, substantive and constructive meeting. The two sides discussed exchanges at all levels in the next stage, and agreed to maintain dialogue and communication in various fields and further deliver on the "San Francisco vision". Read more

China-Europe Interaction

President Xi congratulates Finland's Stubb, pledges to strengthen China-Finland ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulates Alexander Stubb on his election as the President of Finland, emphasizing the strong and progressing bilateral relations between the two countries. Xi expresses readiness to work with Stubb to deepen their future-oriented partnership, fostering dialogue and cooperation to address global challenges and promote world peace and development. Read more

FM Wang Yi with European leaders in Munich

On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Wang Yi met with EU HR/VP Josep Borrell, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian FM Dmytro Kuleba, French FM Stéphane Séjourné, German FM Annalena Baerbock, Polish FM Radoslaw Sikorski and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

FM Wang Yi's visit to Spain has been a full success

Chinese FM Wang Yi met with King Felipe VI and PM Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón respectively, and held talks and jointly met the press with Spanish FM José Manuel Albares Bueno. He emphasized that China regards Spain as a trustworthy and good partner in the EU, and is willing to work with Spain to build a bilateral relationship with strategic resolve, providing new impetus for the development and rejuvenation of both countries and injecting new vitality into China-EU relations.

Wang Yi meets with French President Emmanuel Macron and co-chaired China-France Strategic Dialogue

Wang said that as permanent members of the UN Security Council and important forces in a multipolar world, China and France should strengthen strategic coordination and deepen strategic cooperation to contribute to global peace and stability. China appreciates France's adherence to independence and autonomy, and hopes that France will continue to play a constructive role in the sound and steady development of China-Europe relations, enhance mutual trust, promote convergence of interests, and jointly act as a force of stability in today's world.

Spring Festival Vibes across the world 

Year of the Dragon roars: Spring Festival splurge ignites economic optimism

Chinese consumer spending, backed by government initiatives, drives a peak inSpring Festival consumption, fueling the Year of the Dragon's robust start.  Read more

Celebrating heritage: Chinese Lunar New Year sees a cultural revival and modern 'new Chinese style' fashion trend 

The Lunar New Year in China sees a revival of traditional cultural activities, from lantern shows in Xi'an to museum exhibitions in Guangdong, and the "new Chinese style" of clothing on social media. As cultural confidence strengthens, traditional elements empower new forms of consumption, shaping dynamic trends. Read more

Expert’s corner 

China's rising foreign investment: Global trust grows as China sets records for attracting foreign capital, fostering economic vitality

China's strategic policies, favorable business environment, and reforms position it to attract continued foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Despite global economic challenges, China remains an appealing hub for innovation,manufacturing, and sustainable growth. With 2023 recording record-high FDI and the nation's commitment to further opening up, the outlook for China's economic vitality and global investment confidence remains strong. Read more

Watch the exclusive interview with Swiss Federal Councillor Parmelin

Amazing China

Enjoy a firework show in Hong Kong that welcomes the Year of the Dragon

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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