Authors: Mikołaj Woźniak, Konrad Falkowski. Content support: Łukasz Kobierski
9.05. Slovak-Chinese talks in Moscow
Against the background of celebrations related to celebrations On 9 May the Russian triumph Day met representatives of Slovakia and China. The parties represented Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and China leader Xi Jinping. This was their second individual gathering in the last six months. In addition to these, the secretary of the Chinese Communist organization Cai Qi and Chinese abroad Minister Wang Yi were besides present.
The discussions mainly afraid issues related to the "total strategical partnership" agreement, which was a kind of continuation of the subject launched in late 2024. It was then that Slovakia and the People's Republic of China signed agreements raising the rank of bilateral relations. These arrangements included four Main areas:
- strengthening political confidence;
- strengthening cooperation in renewable energy, transport and logistics, infrastructure and water resources management;
- development of human exchanges;
- coordination in global policy.
Prime Minister Fico stressed that it was crucial to proceed implementing these provisions in the field of cultural, economical and visa cooperation. 1 of the main topics was Chinese investments in Slovakia. Fico and Xi discussed 2 strategical projects. The first afraid the investment of the Swedish company Volvo Cars – belonging to Chinese company Geely since 2010 – in a production plant in Valaliki (Košice wheel). The second task involves building a battery mill by Gotion in the area of Šurana. According to the authoritative position of the Slovak side, the Prime Minister welcomed the fact that both projects are implemented as planned and are powerfully supported by both Slovakia and China.
During the meeting, the Slovak side expressed interest creation Slovak Institute in Beijing – institutions “soft force” liable for promoting the culture, language and art of Slovakia abroad. At the same time, the Chinese website was offered the chance to grow the activities of the Confucius Institute in Bratislava, which presently acts as a affiliate unit at Bratislava universities. In addition to socio-cultural issues, the Slovak Prime Minister has reported on the government's efforts to simplify the process of issuing labour visas to the Schengen area. The abolition of restrictions is primarily intended for Chinese entrepreneurs. Fico so requested the Chinese side to extend the current visa-free entry of Slovak citizens to China. presently Slovaks can stay in China without a visa for 30 days. The visa policy introduced by China on 8 November 2024 covers 38 countries and is announced to apply until 31 December 2025.
It was besides not without geopolitical issues. Talks have gone down the line. trade conflict which ignites between China, the USA and the EU. In this context, Fico praised the openness of China's leader to exchange views and confirmed that Slovakia is curious in developing a balanced and predictable relation with China. The gathering ended with the invitation of China's leader to make an authoritative visit to Slovakia. Prime Minister Fico stressed that this would be an crucial step towards deepening bilateral relations and the applicable implementation of the strategical partnership.
14.05. Merz about China during his first appearance before the Bundestag
On 14 May, the fresh German Chancellor – Friedrich Merz – spoke for the first time in this function before the German Bundestag. In his speech he raised all the key issues for German politics and economy – and there was besides a deficiency of mention to the issues of relations with China.
At the outset, Merz noted, that Berlin and Beijing's relations "are shaped by systemic rivalry and force policy", which can be interpreted as a departure from indulgence towards China in German abroad policy and a sharper approach to common relations. "We are watching the movements of Chinese abroad policy with systemic rivalries strengthen," said Merz. This evolution of attitude did not come out of nowhere either, as China and Russia are the main determinants in this regard, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. The fresh German Chancellor described this cooperation as "great concern". As a consequence, this will lead to Germany "strongly pushing China to contribute to the end of the war in Ukraine". Furthermore, Merz stated that Germany's policy towards China would besides be motivated by a ‘regional approach’. At this point, he stated that "the stable, free and safe Indo-Pacific is of large strategical importance for Germany and for the EU".
However, this does not change the fact that the German Chancellor besides stressed that China "remains an crucial partner for both Germany and the European Union" in the context of global challenges - and these are not lacking. Thus, Merz bowed to the concept of "reducing risks" which is presently experiencing a crisis within the EU. It announced that Germany would proceed to "reduce unilateral dependence" – this is primarily about key economical sectors specified as the automotive industry. He besides added that in the face of the ongoing changes in global order, “we have learned that we request to diversify our supply chains and [here again] reduce unilateral dependence.
In contrast, it is worth mentioning that the Chinese side commented Merza's above claims. Jiang Feng, prof. of European Studies at Shanghai global Studies University, commented on the Global Times. On the 1 hand, the German government wants to revive its economy and cannot afford to bypass China, the world’s major economical power. On the another hand, overemphasis strategic risk in bilateral relations, it may encourage German companies to adopt a more cautious approach to investment and trade with China." Consequently, according to a Chinese scholar, ‘what is intended to strengthen ties can alternatively sow distrust and hesitation, undermining the cooperation that both parties seek’.
15.05. He Lifeng in France
Deputy Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China He Lifeng visited On 15 May, the capital of France to participate in the 10th edition of the Chinese-French economical dialog and Financial advanced Level. He then met with French head of the Ministry of Economy Eric Lombard. In his statement, He assured that "China is ready to cooperate with France in order to strengthen multilateral global coordination and to guarantee an open and inclusive global economical and commercial environment". Furthermore, it acknowledged that the PRC is willing to cooperate with France in order to implement the consensus reached and to strengthen coordination in addressing global challenges, and to make favourable conditions for developing a friendly commercial and investment environment for both China and France in China. In his opinion, this is intended to "give fresh energy to a comprehensive Chinese-French strategical partnership and at the same time lead towards Chinese-European cooperation to accomplish a fresh phase in development".
Lombard, on the another hand, confirmed to his fellow talker that France pays large attention to relations with China and wants to work with them in order to address the challenges facing the modern world, specified as climate change, and to support them in strengthening multilateralism and free trade. Furthermore, according to the French Minister, France will proceed to supply advanced quality products to the Chinese marketplace and guarantee that the business environment is becoming more accessible to Chinese companies.
17.05. Rasmussen, China
Danish abroad Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen traveled to China between 17 and 19 May. The visit was related to celebrations 75 years of diplomatic relations between the 2 countries. During its course, Rasmussen met with Chinese abroad Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Trade Wang Wentao, Secretary of the Communist organization of China in Tianjin Chen Miner and Mayor of Tianjin Zhang Gong. He besides visited the Danish mill by Danfoss China.
During the gathering of abroad Ministers Wang Yi stressed that China full respects sovereignty and integrity territorial Denmark in the context of Greenland. This was a mention to controversial statements by US president Donald Trump, who suggested that the United States should take control of this autonomous, resource-rich territory. Wang besides expressed hopeDenmark "will support China's position on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity". In the further part of the talks Wang indicated that China is ready to stepping up cooperation with Denmark, especially in the field of green technologies and technological innovation.
Rasmussen met besides with Chinese Minister of Trade Wang Wentao. The talks afraid trade relations between Denmark and China, as well as economical relations on the EU-China line. Both sides referred to the protection of the multilateral trading system. The meetings were besides attended by representatives of the Confederation of Danish manufacture and Danish companies specified as Novo Nordisk and Carlsberg.
Rasmussen's visit took place just a fewer days after Denmark's criticism from Beijing for accepting Taiwan's erstwhile president Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai 15 May She met with Danish parliamentarians and gave a speech at the Copenhagen Summit of Democracy, accusing China of stepping up cyber attacks and military exercises aimed at Taiwan.
The relation between China and Denmark has been strained for a long time. The main reason is that Copenhagen has informal contacts with Taipei. The culmination of tension took place in 2009 erstwhile Denmark visited the Dalai Lama. Since then, relations have improved – thanks, among others, to the so-called. "Panda diplomacy"In which Beijing gave the Copenhagen Zoo 2 pandas.
19.05. Sikorski-Wang telephone call
On 19 May Polish abroad Minister Radosław Sikorski conducted conversation telephone call with Chinese diplomacy chief Wang Yi. Both Polish and Chinese resorts informed about the event. The scope of the subjects raised in the discussion raises any doubts, which is due to differences in the messages of both parties.
Polish Ministry of abroad Affairs informed about the conversation in the Polish sphere. It published a short note on the X platform with information that the topics of the talks were the ending of the war in Ukraine, the function of the United Nations Charter and the safety of transport routes between the EU and China. It was besides stressed that Minister Sikorski reiterated his invitation to Wang to visit Poland. Surprise any observers have been prompted by the fact that the MFA has not placed any authoritative message on its website – which is standard practice for talks at specified a advanced level.
Chinese diplomatic ministry published A more comprehensive communication which highlights that Poland is simply a "important strategical partner of China in Europe". The Chinese side expected that Poland, as the country holding the rotating EU Council Presidency, would play a more constructive function in promoting greater advancement in China-EU relations. Wang besides expressed his anticipation that Poland would respect the global consensus on "one China" policy and argue any action to "independence of Taiwan". However, there was no mention in the Chinese communication of Wang's invitation to Poland, which may propose that there was no common confirmation of this intention.
19.05. Wadeful-Wang telephone call
May 19th conversation telephone between German and Chinese abroad ministers. According to a note from the Chinese abroad Ministry, Wang Yi congratulated his counterpart for taking the position at the very beginning, after which he stated that "Chinese-German relations are of greater importance than bilateral scope and have a crucial impact on global economical improvement and strategical stability". He thus expressed his hope that the fresh government in Germany would keep strategical cooperation between Beijing and Berlin and "will lead a rational and pragmatic policy towards China". He besides pointed out that EU hazard simplification policy undermines the foundations of "normal bilateral cooperation". Furthermore, from the position of the 50th anniversary of EU and PRC diplomatic relations, Wang believes that Germany should proceed to play an active function as an crucial link between the Union and China, and besides bring a "fresh impulse" to these relations. China's agenda continues to address the issue of the dispute over electrical vehicles from the PRC, and Wang so raised the issue by saying, "China expects the EU to work with China in the same direction, adequately resolve the anti-subsidy issue of Chinese electrical vehicles at an early phase and advance the improvement of Chinese-EU cooperation".
For his part, Germany's fresh abroad Minister Johann David Wadephul, according to the Chinese communication, stated that relations on the German-China line "are of large importance for the economical improvement of the planet and the future of the global community", and that the fresh government's policy towards China was called "proactive". He stressed that Germany remains in the ‘one China’ principle, which is always of large importance to Beijing. In addition, he noted that due to the position that Germany plays in the European Union, it is crucial for Germany to engage in solving burning issues and misunderstandings between the Union and China, including the problems of Chinese electrical cars.
The issue of war in Ukraine was besides raised – this place is constantly described as a “crisis in Ukraine”. Wang stated that China is promoting peace talks that will lead to a "fair, lasting and binding peace agreement". Wadephul, in turn, stated that Germany (and Europe as a whole) hoped that "China will usage its influence to accomplish a ceasefire". The Chinese note did not specify precisely what this influence would depend on and who it would affect. Knowing the European narrative, this impact would concern Russia to leave Ukraine and to halt all violence. But it was no longer accurately presented by the Chinese side.
20.05. EU hits Chinese companies for helping Russia
The European Union is increasingly focusing on China's function in circumventing sanctions against Russia. In a new, 17th Package sanctions, adopted on 20 May, Brussels introduced further restrictions on companies from China that support the Russian arms manufacture and oil trade. This is part of a broader strategy of emphasis on 3rd countries that aid Moscow despite bans.
The fresh sanctions include 3 Chinese companies which, according to the EU, supply Russia with drone parts. It's not the first step. December 2024, by the way 15th Package sanctions, the Union has restricted 7 Chinese entities. Brussels announces it will proceed this course. The package besides includes sanctions against so-called. ‘Shadow float’ – a network of tankers that transport Russian oil in violation of the embargo. The EU has banned almost 200 specified vessels, which has increased the full number of blocked vessels to 342. In addition, restrictions have been imposed on shipping companies from 3rd countries, specified as the United arabian Emirates, Turkey and Hong Kong, which aid organise this process.
Hard data was late provided by German media. Based on the study of the MFA there, revealed by “Süddeutsche Zeitung“stations NDR and WDR ed 80% circumvention is carried out through China and Hong Kong. This information was confirmed in Brussels by the EU Sanctions Coordinator David O’Sullivan. The study besides shows that EU companies are involved, making it hard for the European Commission to talk to 3rd countries.
The fresh sanction package has been agreed and introduced jointly with United Kingdom, but – crucially – without the participation of the United States. The reason for this is the unsuccessful negotiations. O’Sullivan acknowledged that there is no longer a permanent channel of cooperation between the EU and the US in the area of sanctions policy. He added that cooperation with G7 countries on restrictions "lost momentum". According to EU officials, Brussels no longer expects to actively support Washington in the fight against Russia's circumvention of sanctions.
Ukraine besides took the floor. Head of Ukrainian abroad Intelligence Oleh Iwaschenko reported on May 26 that China inactive supply Russia materials needed for the production of weapons – including device tools, chemicals, gunpowder and parts for weapon systems. According to the Ukrainian side, specified deliveries go to at least 20 Russian factories.
In consequence to the 17th European Union sanction package, which besides includes Chinese companies, Beijing expressed A strong objection. On May 21, Chinese MFA spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China "strongly opposes unjustified sanctions" and called on the Union to abandon "double standards" in commercial relations with Russia. Mao argued that many countries – both in Europe and in the US – inactive have economical contacts with Moscow, and so sanctions against Chinese companies are, in her opinion, selective and politically motivated. The spokeswoman added that China will take "all essential steps" to defend its interests.
22.05. Macron-Xi telephone call
On 22 May a telephone conversation took place between the president of the PRC Xi Jinping and French president Emmanuel Macron – as noted Chinese side: ‘at the request of the latter’. Macron in turn noticed in his entry on platform X, that the interview was held "on the eve of my journey to Southeast Asia" and the issues of bilateral trade and global affairs were raised. president Xi stressed that both sides should search to strengthen and grow cooperation in various areas, specified as investment, aviation, space, atomic energy or the digital sector, green improvement and biopharmaceuticals. He further added that China and France, as 2 permanent members of the UN safety Council, have a work to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and to uphold the authority and position of the United Nations itself and the multilateral order it stands for. The Chinese leader besides pointed out the issue of the European Union, claiming that for China Europe is always "an independent pole in a multi-polar world", and that Beijing supports the EU's drive for strategical autonomy. The Ministry of abroad Affairs of the PRC's message remains that the interlocutors exchanged views on the "crisis in Ukraine", the conflict in Palestine and the Iranian atomic programme.
Having already mentioned the entry of the president of France, he pointed out that his country wanted to proceed building strong economical relations with China, hence "Chinese investments are welcome in France". However, he immediately explained that “our companies must enjoy fair conditions of competition in both our countries. This is simply a fundamental issue." And what the Chinese side did not print in its communication is that, according to Macron's message, the leaders agreed that they should “as shortly as possible” deal with the issue of cognac from France, on which Chinese duties are imposed. The French President's post raised the issue of war more broadly: in Ukraine and Palestine. Firstly, he stated that the point connecting France (and the full of Europe) to China was to establish lasting and strong peace in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. At this point, he firmly added that specified a peace must begin “with an immediate and unconditional ceasefire”. He then noted that "we must besides strive for a political solution that will guarantee peace and safety for all residents of the mediate East." Macron announced that France would cooperate with China in preparation for a conference on a two-state solution scheduled for June in fresh York. At the very end, he stated that he was pleased that Beijing had confirmed its arrival at the future United Nations Ocean Conference.
22.05. Veldkamp in China
The Dutch abroad Minister Caspar Veldkamp during his visit to China on 22 May met with Chinese high-ranking officials. The first 1 was his Chinese counterpart – Wang Yi. According to the Chinese Ministry of abroad Affairs, following the earlier characteristics of the current and uncertain global situation, expressed hope that "the Dutch side will respect the rule of 1 China through concrete actions and defend the political foundations of China-Dutch relations". He besides continued to stress that, despite the expanding global tensions, China remains "involved in high-level opening". He welcomed the state of trade relations between China and the Netherlands in many economical sectors. In addition, he stated that China was inviting the Netherlands “to actively research the possible of cooperation in the fields of clean energy, green development, artificial intelligence and silver economy [another elder economy]. At the same time, hoping that the Netherlands would take care of ‘fair, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies to invest and operate in the country’. The head of Chinese diplomacy referred to the Netherlands as "the gateway to China-EU cooperation", as he considered it a symbol of an "open Europe". He thus expressed his hope that the constructive and even more active function of the Netherlands in building affirmative relations with China would take place in the following years.
Veldkamp He's returned to become his co-talker, saying that his country "respects China, the Chinese people and Chinese culture and admires China's vast improvement achievements". He stressed that for the Netherlands, the People's Republic of China has always been 1 of the most crucial partners in the world. He besides confirmed that the Netherlands remains faithful to the ‘one China’ rule and does not intend to engage in authoritative relations with Taiwan. On his X profile, the head of the Dutch MFA described this gathering as “an crucial gathering with my colleague Wang Yi in Beijing, at a time erstwhile dialog and global cooperation are more urgent than ever”. He further highlighted the commitment of both countries to support climate action, multilateralism and women's rights. Turning to business issues, he noted that "The Netherlands and China have a lot to offer", however, bearing in head that there are differences and disputes in these relations. Finally, he added that global safety issues were raised, including the hazard of a conflict in Taiwan or Chinese support for Russian aggression against Ukraine: "To strengthen EU-China ties, more needs to be done to resolve these problems," Veldkamp said. The Chinese message besides reported in 1 conviction that this kind of subject took place during the conversation.
As regards the second meeting, the Dutch Minister had an chance to exchange your views with Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang. The conversation was not much different from the 1 with Wang. Ding considered that ‘China is ready to proceed the dynamic of friendly exchange with the Netherlands’, taking into account the concerns of both the Dutch and Chinese sides. He stressed that it was essential to strengthen relations and cooperation with the Netherlands and to jointly defend the prevailing global economical and commercial governance. Finally, he added that the Netherlands would play an increasingly crucial function in contributing to the "healthy and unchangeable improvement of China-EU relations".
Veldkamp, on the another hand, reiterated that the Netherlands and China are crucial partners and that its country is ready to increase exchange and cooperation, inter alia, in addressing global economical and safety challenges. Confirmations of the above information can be searched again on the X platform, through which Veldkamp wrote: "We have clear common interests: trade and addressing global challenges". He besides reported that they discussed climate, multilateralism and women's rights with the Chinese deputy prime minister. He besides addressed the issue of Chinese engagement in the war in Ukraine: “I have besides pointed out our concerns. For example, China allowing Russia to war in Ukraine and human rights issues."
23.05. Merz-Xi telephone call
A fewer days after the talks between German and Chinese diplomats occurred to a telephone conversation between the leaders of both sides. Xi Jinping congratulated the fresh Chancellor on taking office. In its first words, the president of the PRC noted that the planet is facing fast changes that have not been observed in centuries, and that the global scenery itself is manifested as "more complex and stormy", which at the same time underlines the increasingly visible "strategic and overarching importance of China-Germany and China-EU relations". Therefore, as Xi pointed out, China stands ready to cooperate with Germany in order to "open a fresh chapter" in bilateral relations. common respect, seeking common ground and putting the differences aside are according to the Chinese leader the foundations of Chinese-German relations. So, in line with this spirit, Beijing and Berlin should consolidate common political trust, increase the resilience of bilateral relations and give impetus to their cooperation. Xi further stressed that this "partnership is the right positioning of China-Germany and China-EU relations", especially from the position of the jubilee of EU-China relations, in which both sides should "review successful experiences". This would be a affirmative signal for the developing but threatened multilateralism in the modern world.
Recalling the account of the German spokesman, Merz besides expressed the desire to work together to aid tackle global challenges. In line with Xi, he stressed the importance of economical relations between Germany and China while noting the importance of fair competition and reciprocity. According to the Chinese Communication, Merz confirmed that the rule of ‘one China’ was respected. Similarly, it can be seen that "Germany expects to increase exchange and cooperation with China in various areas, to sustain openness and common benefit, to advance fair trade, to defend planet peace and to solve climate change jointly". In addition, Germany is ready to play a "proactive role" in the framework of the united Europe with the People's Republic of China. A spokesperson for the German Chancellor besides reported that the leaders raised the issue of war in Ukraine. Merz called on his co-talker to join the efforts of Europe and the United States to scope a peace agreement as shortly as possible. Furthermore, Merz and Xi agreed that "they would shortly resume direct exchanges in order to further make German-Chinese cooperation".
28.05. The Czechs accuse Beijing of cyber attack
Ministry of abroad Affairs of the Czech Republic 28 May published an authoritative message from which it can be seen that "the Czech Government identified the People's Republic of China as liable for a malicious cyber run aimed at 1 of the unclassified networks of the Czech Ministry of abroad Affairs". Thousands of classified email messages were revealed as a consequence of the attack. According to the Czech transmission, cyber activity was to last from 2022, and the state-sponsored Chinese Advanced Persistent Threat 31 (APT31). This group is closely related to the Ministry of State safety of the People's Republic of China. The investigation in this case was carried out by all Czech safety services, which are to confirm the certainty of the origin of the cyber attack. Consequently, "the Czech Government powerfully condemns this malicious cyber run against its critical infrastructure". As noted in the Czech MFA Communication, specified behaviour undermines the credibility of the PRC internationally and is contrary to its public declarations, and even more so to the common standards and standards of the global community of states. In doing so, Prague called on Beijing to start respecting these standards and principles and refrain from doing akin actions in the future.
Head of Czech diplomacy Jan Lipavský Accused Chinese about investigating resilience and democracy Czech Republic: "Today's movement has revealed China, which has long tried to undermine our resilience and democracy." He besides stated that this was a public interference in the life of Czech society: "By cyber attacks, information manipulation and propaganda interfere with our society – and we must defend ourselves against it."
The European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance stood together in solidarity, condemning the full situation. advanced typical of the EU for abroad Affairs and safety Policy Kaja Kallas announcedthat the Union is ready to take appropriate action against China's malicious action. "This attack is an unacceptable violation of global standards. The EU will not tolerate hostile cybernetics and we are solidarity with the Czech Republic," she said at her conference. On the same day, the European Commission website could besides be found authoritative statement condemning the actions of China and calling on all countries, "including China", to avoid specified solutions, to respect global law and to respect standards and principles developed at the UN. Denouncing statement It besides released NATO, writing: "We powerfully condemn malicious cyber activities aimed at undermining our national security, democratic institutions and critical infrastructure." It is further stressed that this behaviour points to a wider cyber activity alternatively than a isolated case: "With increasing concern we are seeing a increasing pattern of malicious cyberactions originating in the People's Republic of China".
China besides addressed the situation through its embassy in Prague. A spokesperson for the Chinese diplomatic mission, asked about the APT3 cyber attack, answered: "We express deep concern and strong opposition to unfounded accusations against the Chinese side". In his opinion, any investigation into the origin of cyber-attacks must "based on clear and reliable evidence". He so questioned the professionalism of the Czech services, stating that ‘in relation to the alleged APT31, the Chinese side has repeatedly carried out method analyses and explanations which clearly show that the applicable evidence is insufficient and that the conclusions are not professional’. Therefore, the Czech Republic's "blaming and defamation of China" is absolutely unacceptable to Beijing. He further stressed that China has always been opposed to this kind of action and does not accept itself, advance or tolerate hacking. Finally, the Chinese embassy spokesperson in the Czech Republic called on the government in Prague to “immediately correct its mistakes, to end Microphone diplomacy[1]and the real respect and implementation of the UN framework on liable State behaviour and on an nonsubjective and fair approach to cybersecurity."
[1] The "Global Times" has defined "mic diplomacy" as "fleeing to point fingers and challenge through publicity, frequently media, recklessly, without rational conversation" (Canada’s ‘microphone Diplomacy’ will be to no avail, "Global Times", 28.06.2020, https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1192888.shtml [accessed: 5.66.2025].
