Written by: Mikołaj Woźniak, Konrad Falkowski
4.03. Li Hui and Directors of the European External Action Service
In late February 2024 announcedthat the peculiar typical of the PRC for the Eurasian Li Hui will re-execute its tour After the European capitals, starting this time with Russia, then going to the countries of the European Union and in the meantime Ukraine. 1 of the first visits to his mission were meetings with EU elder officials. 4 March in Brussels Li He was talking. with Asia-Pacific Managing manager Nicolas Kvarner and managing manager for Russia, east Partnership, Central Asia, Regional Cooperation and OSCE Michael Siebert from the European External Action Service. EU and Chinese representatives discussed Russian aggression in Ukraine. The European side would anticipate Chinese who hold the position of Permanent associate of the United Nations safety Council to play a ‘constructive’ function in the end of this war, namely EU representatives pressed for a Chinese envoy to call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally cease its military activities and retreat Russian forces from the full territory of Ukraine, which has been sanctioned in global law. Li noted China powerfully opposes the EU's inclusion of Chinese companies in the latest list of sanctions against Russia (more specifically, the erstwhile Review) calling on the EU to cancel the entry of Chinese companies and "to return to the right way of dialog and consultation with China". It is besides worth adding that the day later, i.e. 5 March, Li Hui led talks with president Simon Mordue, Head abroad Policy Advisor. During the meeting, akin subjects and issues were discussed, as was the case with the Directors of the EEAS.
6.03. Hungarian-Chinese police patrols
In mid-February, China's Public safety Minister Wan Xiaohong met with Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Interior Minister Sandor Pinter. In addition to trade and investment agreements, Wan offered to the Hungarian side to strengthen cooperation in the areas of combating terrorism, global crime, building safety possible and law enforcement. The deal's done. Accepted by ministers of both countries. "In the future, police officers of both countries will be able to carry out patrol duties together, thus contributing to improving communication between citizens and the authorities of both countries, improving interior safety and public order", the Hungarian Ministry of the Interior replied to the question of what the agreement was about. On this basis, the Chinese and Hungarian police officers will jointly execute patrol duties. The intent of the agreement, as reported by the Hungarian MFA in early March, is to improve safety in the most crucial tourist centres in both countries during the highest periods of the tourist season, as well as during events that attract a crucial number of people. These actions taken by the Hungarian Government are in line with Viktor Orban's policy-making pattern, which is systematically Investigations the proximity of Russia and China. Hungary was the first EU country to join the Chinese initiative Belt and Trail, through which Beijing wants to increase its influence. In addition, China plans respective billion projects in Hungary, including a railway line or electrical car factories. In addition, Hungary is becoming increasingly for China important in view of the anticipation of indirect impact on EU decisions. Hungarian-Chinese cooperation raises doubts in Europe and is seen as a threat to security. The presence of Chinese police poses a hazard not only to the sovereignty of Hungary but besides to the structure of the organisations it enters into. With this action, the Hungarian Government allows persons with clear ties to the authorities of the People's Republic of China to enter its territory, which means that they besides open doors to the full Schengen area. In view of this situation, the European Parliament, seeing the dangers emerging, will discuss "the activities of Chinese police in Europe" at its plenary session in Brussels on 10 April.
6.03. Li Hui in Poland
Another halt of Li Huia was Warsaw, in which it was March 6 met with the Polish Deputy Minister of abroad Affairs Władysław Bartoszewski. The subject of the talks afraid war in Ukraine and regional security. For his part, Deputy Minister Bartoszewski expressed his interest in the PRC's efforts to reconstruct peace in Europe and stated that Poland hopes that China will proceed its diplomatic activity in this matter. An crucial indication by Bartoszewski was that "support for the victim of assault is not only a right but a work of all members of the global community, especially permanent members of the UN safety Council", which is somewhat in line with the message of European dignitaries with whom Li had spoken earlier. China peculiar Envoy presented China's efforts to advance peace talks on the ongoing war in Ukraine, or in line with the Chinese word "crisis in Ukraine" over the last 2 years. He besides stressed that the prolonged war ("crisis in Ukraine") was not in the interest of either party, and China's nonsubjective is to cooperate with the global community, including Poland, to calm the situation and reconstruct peace as shortly as possible.
9.03. Li Hui in Germany
9 March in Berlin Li Hui met with the abroad Secretary of State of Germany Thomas Bagger. The peculiar Envoy of China in his message reiterated that the prolonged conflict in Ukraine is not in the interest of either party. Moreover, he confirmed his interlocutor that China was willing to cooperate with Germany in order to hold a peace conference with equal participation by all parties to pave the way for a ceasefire and cease-fire as shortly as possible, thus highlighting Germany's position in this geopolitical arrangement. Any peace conference would take place in Switzerland. As reported by spokesman for the German MFA Sebastian Fischer's German side reiterated to the Chinese one more time that China's position on the conflict in Ukraine has a crucial impact on the further improvement of relations on the Berlin-Pekin line, as well as Brussels-Pekin. Furthermore, Germany welcomes all the efforts of the People's Republic of China to accomplish peace so far. At the same time, however, concerns about Chinese-Russian cooperation were expressed and, consequently, the supply of dual-use goods and the evasion of sanctions by Chinese companies. To conclude his message regarding the visit of the Chinese diplomat, Fischer stated that “the atmosphere of the conversation was constructive.”
11.03. Li Hui in France
The final halt of Li Huia on his second already journey across Europe was Paris. 11 March met He was there with Deputy manager General for Political and safety Affairs in the Ministry of Europe and abroad Affairs of France Jonathan Lacôte. The Chinese emissary one more time repeated the words about the urgent request to bring peace to Ukraine, setting the war there a “crisis”. In addition, he stressed the importance and position of both China and France on the global stage, noting that both countries should strengthen dialog and cooperation and cooperate to form a "peaceful, stable, equal and orderly multipolar world". He besides added that the People's Republic of China is ready to proceed dialog with Paris in the context of Ukraine. A typical of the French Ministry of abroad Affairs stressed that the war in Ukraine has an impact on European safety and global order. According to Lacôte France and China, who are permanent members of the UN safety Council, have greater work and work to contribute jointly to resolving the conflict within Ukraine. Furthermore, he pointed out that France is ready to proceed to communicate with China on this issue at all levels.
11.03. EU-China safety and Defence Consultation
On 11 March, a 14th EU-China People's Republic safety and Defence Consultation took place in Beijing. The European side was represented by Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, manager of safety and Peace in the European External Action Service, while the Chinese side was represented by Yao Qin, Deputy Head of the global Military Cooperation Office. As they say European sources, the parties exchanged opinions on regional safety in Europe, focusing in peculiar on 2 issues: Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine and the military support provided by North Korea to Russia. The European Union stressed its support for Ukraine in all its efforts to win, while stressing that respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter, sovereignty and territorial integrity Ukraine remains fundamental to any arrangement. It besides pointed out that China's position on Russian aggression has an impact on EU-China relations. Regional safety issues in the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea and Taiwan, were besides raised. The EU expressed concern about the expanding tensions in these regions, while stressing its commitment to promoting safety and stableness in cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The European side reported that despite the convergence of views and differences in strategical and safety assessments, both the EU and China appreciated the genuine discussions held at the conference. Narration Chinese submitted the information rather synthetically, stating that both parties had exchanged views on issues that were subject matter their common interest, primarily in relations and defence cooperation between China and the EU and the global and regional situation.
11.03. Sweden in NATO and China
Against the background of the suspension ceremony of the flag of Sweden at the office of NATO in Brussels on 11 March, Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristensson, interviewed POLITICO, in which he shared his observations on the safety of the Baltic region. This event took place due to Sweden's entry into NATO, which broke its 200-year military neutrality. "Europe must be aware of the United States' concerns about safety and realize what kind of threat China poses today," said Kristenson. He besides stated that Europe should reduce dependence on China in strategical sectors, in peculiar military sectors, and reduce the impact of Chinese trade in goods and natural materials. The aim of this action is primarily to adapt to US actions that are more distant to China than European economies. According to the Swedish Prime Minister, this is to convince the future U.S. government not to quit its commitment to NATO and to stay a safety guarantor in Europe, which involves American engagement in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Ulf Kristen believes that European countries should increase their consciousness China, the Pacific and the threat it poses to another Asian countries. He besides said that if Europe wants to keep the US's commitment to Europe, it must engage in US safety issues. As an example of Europe's adaptation to the U.S. approach to China, Kristenson gave the EU's hazard simplification strategy, stating that "the more democracies around the planet can unite, meet and sometimes cooperate and sometimes challenge Chinese action, the better." In addition to the Chinese issue, the Swedish Prime Minister during the interview stressed The importance of Sweden in the safety of the Baltic countries, he criticised Pope Francis' approach to the Ukrainian-Russian war, and described Sweden's contribution to NATO.
12.03. Mercedes Benz wants to abolish work on Chinese electrical cars
"This is the marketplace economy. Let's let the competition work" - Mercedes-Benz Ola Källenius called The European Union to reduce duties on Chinese electrical cars in an interview for the Financial Times on 9 March. In his opinion, this action is intended to force European manufacturers to produce better vehicles. He referred to the way the marketplace economy operated, which, as Källenius stated, led to an increase in prosperity in China, which brought hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. He criticised protectionism by drawing out a case of past that contradicts its functioning, stating that the EU should not increase and reduce duties on Chinese electrical vehicle manufacturers, including BYD. presently Chinese cars are covered Europe has a 10% work rate, which is lower than the 15% charge imposed on European cars sold in China. In addition, there is an investigation in the EU to see if Beijing subsidises Chinese car manufacturers to undermine the position of European rivals. The investigation as well as the increase in duties are mainly opposed by German Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen brands, which is most likely due to the fact that China responsible for more than one 3rd planet Mercedes-Benz sales. In addition, Mercedes-Benz signed an agreement with BYD to usage their batteries to manufacture electrical vehicles. In opposition to the German side, Renault and Jeep, among others, are demanding that the EU take steps to prevent Chinese producers from hegemonising the European automotive market.
18.03. Xi Jinping's planned journey to France
For the beginning of May, the journey of the leader of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping to Paris is planned. Its intent is to hold a gathering with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, who had visited Beijing and Canton a year earlier, during which he doubled his efforts towards strategic autonomy EU. During this journey, Macron took a mild stand towards Beijing compared to its EU partners, suggesting that Brussels should interfere little with Chinese politics. The Xi-Macron gathering is intended to be the first specified departure of China's leader to Europe since the pandemic. In addition, travel dates coincide with 60 years the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and the PRC, with the aim of highlighting the importance of the gathering by the Chinese side. In a January video to commemorate this Jubilee Xi expressed hope that both countries would be able to respond to uncertainty in the planet thanks to the stableness of Chinese-French relations, and stressed that manufacture and clean energy are possible areas of cooperation. Diplomatic sources state that the main topics of the talks are mainly trade issues, which are presently in the shadows Weak relationships The EU-PRC, expressed by EU “risk reduction”, French consumer subsidies for electrical vehicles or Chinese anti-dumping investigation concerning 99.8% of French brand. Xi Jinping's visit is intended to supply the basis for dialog at the highest level, during which it is crucial that the Chinese side communicates decisively on the position on Ukraine, Taiwanese Strait and South China Sea. It was besides reported that China's nonsubjective is to convince Europe to let Russia to join the table during future peace talks.
19.03. Chinese plan to attract abroad investment in the context of EU-China trade relations
19 March Council of the People's Republic of China published fresh 24-point action plan to promoting abroad investment focusing among others on key industries specified as advanced chips and biopharmaceuticals. It has promised customs exemptions and that it will address discriminatory practices that abroad companies and business communities complain about. According to Chinese government data, in 2023 abroad direct investment fell to lowest level for 30 years, and fresh investments fell to $33 billion, i.e. by 82% little than last year. The European Union's hazard simplification efforts have caused record-breaking concerns about politicising the business environment in China, says the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. According to a survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce, about 3 quarters of the 1,700 members of the Chamber reviewed their supply chains, of which 21% moved most of their production to China last year and 12% outside. The home reported that the Chinese marketplace has become little predictable and reliable, thereby damaging the productivity and innovation of European companies in China. abroad companies in the mediate States have been faced with a number of challenges in fresh years, including slowing down economical growth, strict restrictions on COVID-19, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and violations of national security.
19.03. Hsiao Bi-Khim in Czech Republic
19 March in the Czech Republic took place visit Taiwanese Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim, who will officially presume Taiwanese Vice president in May 2024. Visit to the Czech Republic was de facto a derivative of Hsiao's journey to the United States, which she visited in early March. According to Taiwan's MFA spokesperson Jeff Liu, the vice-elect went to Prague to visit “friends” before it was officially assigned its function. In the capital of the Czech Republic, Hsiao was adopted by the president of the Czech legislature Miloš Vystrčil, who published on his profile on the X portal post, in which he wrote that the full gathering with the recently elected Vice president of Taiwan could have taken place by organising a seminar by the Czech Thnik-tank Sinopsis entitled "Strengthening Partnership and Cooperation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic". Hsiao's presence in the Czech Republic and its adoption by 1 of the most crucial Czech politicians could not be ignored by the People's Republic of China, which expressed its discontent with the incident. Ombudsman for the Chinese abroad Ministry Lin Jian It referred to the rule of ‘one China’ adopted by the Czech Republic and pointed out that the PRC powerfully opposed any authoritative interaction between Taiwan, i.e. the alleged ‘rebellied province’ and the countries maintaining diplomatic relations with China. He stated that "this solemn commitment the Czech government has made in many authoritative documents, including in joint statements and a joint Communication from the Chinese and Czech governments, to keep the policies of 1 China, to respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to recognise Taiwan as an inalienable part of China". He continued to call on the Czech authorities to comply with their obligations in this substance and to "discontinuate the gross moves immediately" which undermine its credibility and relations with the People's Republic of China.
23.03. Hsiao Bi-Khim in Lithuania
Taiwan's future vice president as part of her journey on 23 March visited besides Lithuania, where it met with 2 candidates for the office of Lithuanian President: Dainius Žalimas of the organization of Freedom belonging to the ruling bloc, and Giedrimas Jeglinskas of the opposition Democratic Union "In the Name of Lithuania". As Lithuanian writer Marius Laurinavičius noted, many of the meetings of Hsiao Bi-khim in Vilnius were not made public, while he himself participated in the gathering between the vice-elect of Taiwan and 2 candidates for president of Lithuania, which he shared in his Common on Facebook. He stressed that this gathering not only confirmed the protaiwan position of the current ruling option, but besides demonstrated the process of changing the approach to the opposition party. During her visit, Hsiao gave her lecture at a gathering at the Institute of global Relations and Political Sciences in Vilnius and met with many “friendly to Taiwan” politicians on the Lithuanian stage. Laurinavičius besides took into account his objections or doubts in his opinion, namely, he asked, can be said, a provocative question addressed to the Lithuanian politicians: "Why at least so far has no authoritative typical of Lithuania dared to publically announce the meetings that took place?". In consequence to his own question, he recalled the case of the Czech legislature President, who made his photograph of Hsiao Bi-ki public. Finally, he put a proverbial pin in politicians from his country, writing: “But Lithuanian politicians will most likely gotta learn courage from their Czech colleagues...”. Asked by Voice of America Laurinavičius said that its presence in Lithuania "is a good sign for both countries due to the fact that it shows that any political parties may have changed their position on Lithuania's cooperation with Taiwan". The People's Republic of China has not issued a message in which, as in the case of the Czechs, it would call for compliance with 1 Chinese policy. This may be due to the deficiency of authoritative presentation of Lithuanian politicians from the future Vice president of Taiwan, as did the president of the Czech Senate. By the way, it is worth mentioning that Hsiao Bi-khim besides visited Poland and European Parliament, where she has made contact with Euro MPs in Brussels, including first Vice-President Othmar Karas.
27.03. Mark Rutte in China
The relations between the Netherlands and the People's Republic of China are not among the best in fresh times, especially in view of the technological conflict or in relation to the spy scandals (more specifically in February review). Thus, Mark Rutte's 27 March visit to Beijing should be seen as an effort to bridge the increasing tensions in bilateral relations. Rutte to China He's gone. together with the Minister for abroad Trade and improvement Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, who held an about 45-minute conversation with the Chinese leader, during which the most critical issues affecting the relations of both countries were presented. 1 of these topics was the ASML case and restrictions to export advanced semiconductor technologies to China, which was announced in early March 2023. According to “Reuters”, the Dutch Prime Minister “saved” the conflict between the Netherlands and China over semiconductor technologies. In addition, Rutte did not answer questions about whether his government could refuse ASML a licence to proceed providing tools to Chinese customers, as expected by Washington. For his part, Rutte stated that if there is simply a request for restrictions, specified as at this point in time, the Netherlands is afraid that "they are never targeted specifically at 1 country and we always effort to have a limited impact". president Xi Jinping in the context of semiconductors and trade expressed his concerns and warned The Dutch Prime Minister said that "the artificial lifting of technological barriers and the breaking of industrial chains and supplies would only lead to division and competition", after which he added, more clearly, "No force would be able to halt the pace of technological improvement and China's progress". In saying these words, Xi indirectly referred to the ongoing "chips war" between the US and China. The Chinese frequently effort to item the harmful and manipulative influence of the United States on another countries, including the Netherlands, in this matter. ‘Global Times“ Of course, China and the Netherlands are under force from the United States, ” he commented. In any event, the technology war launched by the US against China has had a crucial impact on the common interests of the global industrial chain and has become a global problem." Another delicate subject during the gathering was the issue of Chinese cyber espionage in the Netherlands. Rutte asked about this stated“ Of course, the Netherlands gave China a very open credit. It was an attack on the Dutch Ministry of Defence that identified our MIVD and which besides attributed it to China. So yes, of course, I discussed it.” The Chinese spoke in no another way than to further negate any connection to this cyber attack. Van Leeuwen in his own Common on the X portal, he welcomed the fact that "we have besides been able to discuss topics where we have not agreed from the outset, specified as marketplace access, a level playing field for businesses and delicate technologies."
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