Authors: Mikołaj Woźniak, Konrad Falkowski. Content support: Łukasz Kobierski
1.11. Robert Fico, China
At the turn of October and November, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico held his tour After China. Travelling with he has a large delegation composed of 8 ministers, 2 deputy ministers and 77 representatives of 56 Slovak companies. Fico's journey was to take place earlier – in June of this year. However, it was postponed due to the injuries it sustained during the assassination for your life in May this year.
From October 31 to November 5 Fico visited Beijing, Hefei and Shanghai. In the Chinese capital, he checked in at the beginning of his trip, where he held an authoritative gathering with China's leader Xi Jinping on 1 November. During the meeting, the parties announced the conclusion of a strategical partnership. Implementation active signing 13 bilateral cooperation documents, including many Protocols on trade and investment, transport, tourism, environment and culture. As part of the agreement, both parties agreed to introduce a 15-day visa-free movement to China for Slovakian citizens. Additionally, Fico announced plans to establish a direct air link between Bratislava and Beijing.
During the visit, global safety issues were besides addressed, including the subject of Ukrainian-Russian War. Prime Minister Fico stressedthat Slovakia is ready to join the “Friends of Peace” group set up by China and Brazil under the UN, which aims to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. On his Facebook profile, the Prime Minister pointed out that China could play a key function in resolving the conflict. In Beijing, Fico and the delegation besides met with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and Zhao Leji's talker of Parliament.
On 4 November, the Slovak delegation left Beijing and She moved on to The capital of the Chinese state of Anhui – Hefei. Fico was admitted in it by General Secretary of Liang Yanshuna Province, with whom he discussed Gotion's planned investments. The company established in Anhui state is expected to start in Slovakia shortly investment establishing the construction of a Li-ion cell and battery mill (Li-ion). During the visit, Fico visited the Gotion factory, met with its board, and besides visited the R & D center. In Hefei, the Prime Minister besides gave a lecture to students on the priorities of Slovakia's abroad policy and China's global role. At the end of the journey, Fico participated in the beginning of the global import fair CIIE in Shanghai.
Trip of the Slovak delegation negative assessed the Slovak opposition parties who raised concerns about the recently established "strategic partnership". According to them, the ‘soy’ with China announces possible threats to Slovakia's interior affairs. On this issue, among others, Mr Juraj Krúpa, an expert on defence and safety from the opposition SAS party, spoke. He accused Fico of serving with Russian propaganda, suggesting that the Prime Minister criticized Western support for Ukraine, while ignoring the fact that China and North Korea support Russia. The deficiency of Slovak media in the delegation was besides criticised, which, according to the opposition, undermines the transparency of the visit. Milan Majerský of the KDH organization expressed concern that closer relations with China could lead to the arrival of Chinese peculiar services, as was the case in Hungary (more in March "ReviewIt is not known whether or not you are taking advantage of me. Tomasz Valašek of the Progressive organization of Slovakia criticised the hazard of the country's dependence on a government that does not respect democratic principles, and warned against the consequences of the example of North Macedonia and Montenegro.
1.11. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade of the PRC for possible further negotiations on the Chinese EV
While you're at it Common A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China was asked by journalists about the veracity of the reports concerning the planned European Union sending a peculiar delegation to China to conduct negotiations on price commitments in connection with the countervailing duties imposed on Chinese electrical vehicles. A typical of the Ministry cited the video conversation between the Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao of the PRC and EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis of 25 October this year. He reminded reporters that during the consultations there both parties had come to an agreement that the negotiations relating to price commitments would continue, as the Union itself was to propose. He besides acknowledged that "China welcomes" this information and expressed the hope that it would be based on the rule of "pragmatism and balance" in the event of further negotiations, in order to accomplish a solution that would express acceptance of both the Chinese and the European side.
4.11. Union countervailing duties
A fewer days later, after the last press conference, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade of the PRC was asked this time about suit China lodged at the planet Trade Organisation (WTO) against the European countervailing work imposed on Chinese electricity. As reported by journalists, the Chinese were to file an additional suit on this issue. The Ombudsman replied that on the same day, i.e. 4 November, China would file a suit against the final EU anti-subsidy measures in order to resolve it by the WTO mechanism. The erstwhile suit we wrote about in the August edition “ReviewThe EU preliminary anti-subsidy ruling on electrical vehicles of Chinese origin was referred to. In spite of protests by “the applicable parties, including the governments of the EU associate States, manufacture and society, the Union has not given up its decision to finalise the procedure for imposing countervailing duties, as the Ministry stressed. China so decided to re-apply "to defend the improvement interests of the electrical vehicle manufacture and global cooperation in the field of green transition". Furthermore, the Ombudsman pointed out that for Beijing, the final compensatory measures of the European Union are neither based on fact nor on legality, constitute a violation of WTO rules and an abuse of commercial remedies. Moreover, this is an expression of European protectionism. Finally, he called on the Union to "face its mistakes" and correct its "illegal practice" which de facto to undermine the stableness of the global supply chain, the improvement of EV manufacture and the "general situation of economical and trade cooperation between China and the EU".
6.11. Sergio Mattarella in China
Trip by Italian president Sergio Mattarelli held Between 7 and 12 November. The first place he visited was the summertime Palace, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The discussion between the parties afraid mainly safety issues and focused on discussing the problems facing the global community, including conflicts in Ukraine and the mediate East. It was. first Since 2017, a visit by the president of Italy to China to reconstruct balance in bilateral relations, especially after Italy's decision to non-extension Last December, a memorandum on the Chinese Belt and way Initiative.
After the talks Xi and Mattarella made it together to meet with the participants of the Cultural Forum Italy – China. It was attended by Italian abroad Minister Antonio Tajani, Chinese Minister of Culture Sun Yeli and manager of the Italian Encyclopedia Institute Massimo Bray. During the Forum signed 10 agreements governing cultural, scientific, cinematographic and competition cooperation. These agreements included, among others, a partnership agreement between Villa d’Este in Tivoli (Rome) and the summertime Palace in Beijing, a protocol of cooperation between the cities of Verona and Hangzhou, and a memorandum between the Promotion Agency for Borders and Internationalisation of Italian Companies (ICE) and the Chinese Council for global Trade Promotion. All papers were signed in the presence of president Mattarelli and Xi, who stressed that the visit of the Italian leader would contribute to the further improvement of bilateral relations. Then on November 9, in Beijing, president Mattarella held meetings with Prime Minister Li Qiang and president of the Standing Committee of the People's Assembly of China (NPC) Zhao Leim.
On the following days of his trip, the president of Italy visited Among others, Hangzhou and then Canton, where he visited the Chen Ancestors' Hall and Chen Ancestors' Academy on 11 November, which is now housed at the Guangdong People's Art Museum. On Tuesday, November 12, on the last day of his visit to China, the president met with representatives of the Italian business planet in China. On the same day, he besides had a conversation with the secretary of the Communist organization of China in Guangdong Province, Huang Kunming, at the global Conference Centre in Bayun.
7.11. Chinese American-German spy scandal
7 November German national prosecutor's office informed public opinion about another spy incidental in Germany. This time, a U.S. citizen, Martin D, was accused of spying for the People's Republic of China. He was arrested in Frankfurt am Main by officers of the national Criminal Police Office who investigated the case. His flat was besides searched. D. was to offer his “services” to Chinese secret services he contacted this year. These "services" were intended to consist in providing delicate military information relating to the United States. The key in this situation is that D. this information was able to obtain, working in the US Armed Forces. According to the German weekly report, “Der Spiegel“ D. arrested is 37 years old and has late been employed by an American military stationed in Mainz. Nevertheless, he was not to be a professional soldier, but a civilian worker.
It is worth reminding at this point that it is already another spy scandal in Germany this year with the People's Republic of China in the background. We have written about another incidents in erstwhile editions of the Review, for example in April, in which period there were 2 scandals – day by day or in Octoberwhen a female was detained to supply information on defence equipment logistics in Germany.
8.11. EU-China consultations on price commitments
The negotiations between the Union and China announced at the beginning of November in connection with the possible agreement on price undertakings for Chinese electrical vehicles are indeed made held. According to the relation between the 2 parties, the circular of negotiations lasted from 2 to 7 November, and that "technical advancement has been made on the elements to be addressed so that the price work is equally effective and enforceable". In addition, both parties discussed ‘constructively and in depth’ the question of how a minimum price should be set for imports of Chinese electricians. The European Union has indicated that, in accordance with planet Trade Organisation rules, it has the anticipation to make price commitments for the various companies active in the investigation, so it is not necessarily essential to negociate stricte with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Products, but besides with individual exporters from China. Both the EU and the PRC have besides confirmed that further negotiations will proceed on the basis of the advancement made.
Ombudsman of the Ministry of Trade of the PRC asked for this consultation positively rated advancement in the negotiations on the establishment of price commitments, claiming that this could lead to improved relations on the Beijing-Brussels line: "China considers that advancement in negotiations as a full on the basis of the pricing commitment plan presented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for Machinery and Electronics on behalf of the manufacture will aid keep common trust, velocity up consensus and resolving differences through consultation to avoid escalation of conflicts and trade friction".
12.11. France and China through dialog on Chinese brandy duties with the EU
Reuter Agency reportedthat the French liquor lobby in its message stated that France and China had returned to dialog on the Chinese tariffs on brandy of European origin, which we wrote in last month. The content of the message shows that "the fresh exchange of views between the French and Chinese authorities at the Shanghai fair has helped renew the subject of dialogue, which is simply a essential introduction to uncovering a bilateral solution". Moreover, the liquor lobby appreciated the likely expression of Chinese willingness to agree by replacing the deposit imposed on importers of cognac and armaniac since 11 October with a little complex bank guarantee. They considered it a "positive first reaction".
12.11. Kaja Kallas again hard towards Beijing
Kaja Kallas, the fresh head of EU diplomacy, is well known for not biting her tongue erstwhile it comes to Putin and his Russia. The Kremlin's deficiency of sympathy was mostly due to the extended decommunisation of the country in its form dismantling russian monuments. On the another hand, the move, described by Dmitri Pieskov, the spokesperson of the Kremlin, as “a desecration of historical memory”, was followed by a Russian BOLO. Moreover, she had to dement rumors about the alleged “eating Russians for breakfast’. As it turned out, for breakfast much more than the Russians like musli with yogurt and blueberries.
Now, Kallas shows one more time that he does not intend to save the People's Republic of China, which unofficially stands in the Allies with the Russians, assisting them in the Moscow war against Ukraine. In the erstwhile edition “Review“ We wrote about her views on the PRC expressed in a letter to the European Parliament as part of the procedure for approving her candidacy. November 12 during his Common before the EP again raised issues relating to China. How can you read from read, Kallas warned that "Russia, Iran, North Korea and – more discreetly – China want to change the principle-based order of the world". It is worth noting at this point that the word "more discreetly" towards China may propose that Europe inactive has any hopes for China and does not want to yet classify it as an enemy state. But is not Chinese discretion proof that the PRC poses an even greater threat to global order? EU decision-makers, including Kallas, are most likely aware of this, but the desire to find any starting points for cooperation requires specified diplomatic wording. However, knowing the sharpness of Kallas, she said explicitly that China is becoming little and little a partner and more and more a competitor and a rival, and that European dependence on China in certain sectors is simply a "real weakness". She further noted that the United States cannot full focus on China, thus abandoning Ukraine, as China must "feel the cost" of supporting the Russian assault war. Thus, the period for EU diplomacy under the leadership of the fresh advanced typical of the Union for abroad Affairs and safety Policy, which will gotta decently play both Russia Putin and China Xi, and America as president of Trump, is preparing to take place.
18.11. Dutch Minister for the Importance of Trade between China and Russia
Caspar Veldkamp, the Dutch abroad Minister, expressed his opinion on the impact of trade between China and Russia on European security. In his opinion, this situation is straight affecting the improvement of the war in Ukraine and thus the safety of Europe. This is primarily about the trade in equipment, the alleged dual use, which may at first glance not rise suspicions, but can actually be utilized for purposes another than the original, in this case – support of Russian military device against Ukraine. The issue has been raised many times by EU decision-makers, specified as EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskisaas well as president Ursula von der Leyen as part of press conference After the tripartite gathering of Macron-von der Leyen-Xi, which took place after the May visit of the president of the PRC to Paris. The Dutch chief of diplomacy besides referred to reports of transfer Russia by China drones that are utilized on the front. "I raised this issue twice with Chinese abroad Minister Wang Yi, and I think that as Europeans we should do it due to the fact that it is something that China should realise: it has a direct impact on Europe's security," Veldkamp said. He besides stressed that the subject would be discussed more extensively during the EU summit associate States' abroad ministers, who took place on the same day as Veldkamp's statements: "We talk about everything that concerns abroad aid to Russia in its war in Ukraine, whether it be Iran, North Korea or China."
19.11. Scholz and Xi at the margins of the G20 Summit
November 19 at November margin summit The G20 was met by Chancellor Nieniec Olaf Scholz and president of the PRC Xi Jinping. The 2 main topics of the talks during this gathering should be considered bilateral German-Chinese relations and the war in Ukraine. Scholz stated, that the key to the conditions for future joint work is that "a level playing field should accompany the business of the companies on both sides", which can be understood as an effort to convince Xi that German companies do not have hard access to the Chinese market, as well as the expression of German economical interest. Xi in turn stressedthat ‘China and Germany are 2 major countries with crucial influence’, and provided His interlocutor that China "will proceed to supply wide marketplace opportunities for German companies". It besides called for the improvement of "strategic" and "long-term" relations with the RFN. Uznau "Chinese-German relations are gaining fresh radiance and dynamics". Furthermore, the leader of the People's Republic of China cited the issue of EU tariffs on Chinese electrical vehicles. In his opinion, Germany is able to aid China in Solution This conflict with the European Union: "EU duties on Chinese electrical vehicles attract worldwide attention, and China always insists on resolving differences through dialog and consultation. We hope that Germany will proceed to play an crucial function in this regard."
On the another hand, referring to the issues of war in Ukraine, Chancellor of Germany saidthat the discussion between specified powers as Germany and China about the pains of the modern planet is ‘important’, quoting here the example of Russia's war. On the another hand, Scholz, according to Andreas Rinke of the Reuter Agency, besides caught the Taiwanese thread, saying that "no 1 should be afraid of his neighbors. This is simply a very central rule of peace in the planet to which we are committed." However, this message may mention to many places in the world. In addition, Scholz was besides to address the question of North Korean soldiers on the Ukrainian front, which, in his opinion, is tantamount to further escalation of the conflict, and to make it clear to the Chinese leader that Germany is opposed to Russian arms transportation by the PRC.
19.11. Macron and Xi at the margins of the G20 summit
Another gathering at the margins of the Rio de Janeiro summit was the Xi Jinping gathering with French president Emmanuel Macron. As in the case of a conversation with Scholz, the main topics here were bilateral relations and the war in Ukraine. The trade conflict between the European Union and the People's Republic of China is straight affecting France – we are talking about Chinese duties on cognac from Europe. Therefore, as part of the solution to this problem, both leaders acknowledgedthat they are aiming for a ‘good outcome’ in terms of duties on cognac. Macron further stated that next year there was a planned journey of Prime Minister Michel Barnier to Beijing – he would then talk to his counterpart Li Qiang. However, developments in the interior situation in France have thwarted Macron's November plans, since in early December the French Parliament voted a vote of distrust for Barnier, thus causing the fall of his government. The planned departure to China by the French Prime Minister is likely to take place anyway, but that France will be represented entirely by individual else. However, back to the Rio meeting, Macron He saidthat his country will proceed to advance "strategic autonomy, precisely to be able to talk to China in complete independence". To which Xi replied that the current planet is full of "risks and challenges", and "the future trend may be more uncertain and unpredictable", which does not change the fact that Beijing-Paris relations have "a unique strategical and global significance". Xi besides added that he was full prepared to work with France "to deepen strategical communication, strengthen cooperation beneficial to both parties and respond jointly to changes and challenges".
As far as the war in Ukraine is concerned, the president of France believes that China is crucial in reducing the atomic escalation of the conflict, which involves announced by Vladimir Putin updating the atomic doctrine of the Russian Federation. Therefore, Macron, at a gathering with Xi, was to ask him to put force on Putina to end Russia's war with Ukraine: "You share, like us, concerns about Russia's militant and escalating statements on atomic doctrine," said the president of France. He besides added that the arrival of North Koreans at the front with Ukraine should give reasoning to Beijing, who should all the more demanding deescalation. How can you read in Communication The Chinese press agency Xinhua, both parties "changed views on the Ukraine crisis", and president Xi pointed out that China's position on this issue is "coherent" and "China hopes the conflict will be alleviated". The key words, however, appear to be Xi, which he was going to say in the quoted text, "China does not want to spread the crisis or escalate the conflict; instead, China will proceed to play a constructive function in its own way in order to suspend arms and end the conflict" The question is precisely what is active in playing a constructive function “in your own way”. The reality suggests that this is “pro-Russian” neutrality and assistance in circumventing sanctions. But China surely sees it differently.
25.11. The Union disputes Chinese brandy duties at WTO
The issue of Chinese tariffs on brandy produced in Europe was again raised in November. This time, the European Union has launched a planet Trade Organisation structure Procedure against Chinese work on exports of brandy from the EU. This besides involves an October complaint that the Union has besides notified to the WTO (we have besides described this in the erstwhile "ReviewIt is not known whether or not you are taking advantage of me. In accordance with the procedure, the request for consultation was formally submitted to the Geneva WTO authority on 25 November this year, which is the first step in the full dispute resolution process. China has since had 10 days to respond. If the conflict is not resolved in consultation, the substance will be transferred to the Panel on Disputes. This in turn involves the anticipation of extending the procedure for further years.
Chinese duties, announced in October, are expected to scope from 30.6% to 39%. Importantly, they will mainly hit the French alcohol industry, which is why French They have the biggest interest in reaching an agreement with the Chinese as shortly as possible. French president Emmanuel Macro described Beijing's action as "pure retaliation" for duties on electrical cars.
On the same day as the request for consultations was lodged, the head of the Department of Treaties and Law of the Ministry of Trade of the People's Republic of China referred to the case Ma Xinmin. erstwhile asked about this by reporters, he replied that China, which is simply a WTO member, "has always applied countermeasures for trade with caution and restraint to defend fair and free trade." On the another hand, provisional anti-dumping measures on EU brandy ‘are legitimate relief measures, introduced in accordance with Chinese law, at the request of national manufacture and following a fair and impartial investigation’. Moreover, "they are full in line with WTO rules". At the end of his statement, Ma added a standard expression given by Chinese officials, saying that "China is required to defend legitimate demands and the rights and interests of home industry".
27.11. EU countries for duties on Chinese titanium dioxide
On 27 November, associate States of the European Union agreed to impose definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of titanium dioxide (TiO2) from China. To adoption Customs were favoured by 15 countries, 4 abstained and 8 opposed. Customs duties are likely to be introduced on 11 January next year and will apply for 5 years.
The decision was taken as a consequence of a complaint lodged by the EU producers' coalition and an investigation carried out by the European Commission liable for coordinating Community trade policy. According to the findings, inexpensive Chinese imports increased rapidly, achieving 22% of the marketplace share, which led to a decrease in the profitability of EU producers to a level that prevented further operation. The coalition argued that the Union manufacture could meet 90% of EU demand, utilizing imports of titanium dioxide from countries specified as the UK, Mexico and the USA.
Against the imposition of duties uncommon The European Organisation of Printing Paints and Inks (CEPE), calling on the EU to reject them. The organisation argued that TiO2 represents around 20% of the final cost of production in the paint sector and that the introduction of duties could jeopardise the profitability of the industry. The EU paint sector provides 150 000 jobs, with an yearly turnover of EUR 33 billion.
28.11. Sweden requests cooperation in the investigation of the Baltic incident
On November 18th, there was a dangerous situation. incident in the waters of the Baltic Sea, in which 2 underwater fibre optic cables were damaged, 1 of which was the connection between Finland and Germany. From the very beginning, it was suspected that this was a form of planned sabotage. As a consequence of the investigation, a Chinese ship (a kind of bulk ship) called Yi Peng 3, which began its course with the Russian port of Ust-Ługa on 15 November, was accused. The Reuter Agency, citing an analysis of MarineTraffic data, showed that the coordinates of the ship correspond to the location and timing of the incident. Journalists “The Wall Street Journal” suggest based on the investigation that this event was actually intended to be a deliberate sabotage – the ship's captain was deliberately to leave the anchor at a given location to cut the cables. 20 November Danish The Navy has detained a suspicious ship in its exclusive economical zone.
First request for cooperation Sweden filed On 26 November, straight to ship Yi Peng 3 to return to Swedish waters to facilitate the investigation. Returning to the ship, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson pointed out that through this movement he was not accusing anyone of sabotage. "We do not make any accusations, but we want to be clear about what happened," Kristersson stated during a press conference relating to the situation.
Two days later, i.e. on 28 November, Sweden raised the subject again. This time filed authoritative request to Beijing to cooperate in the investigation of the incident. According to Kristersson, this formal request or request "shows our determination to search the ship in order to find what happened". It is besides worth noting that the opinions on the usefulness of the Chinese ship to cut undersea cables are divided among the European intelligence agencies examining the subject.
As far as the position of the People's Republic of China is concerned, it can be found in the resources of the Chinese MFA that the case was referred to 3 times during the press conference of the MFA spokesperson of the PRC Mao Ning. 26 November asked by AFP reporter on the veracity of the reports concerning the talks with Denmark, she replied that "China is in contact with applicable parties, including Denmark, through diplomatic channels". A day later, November 27th, this time a question it's gone from a Reuter Agency writer requesting Sweden to return to the waters of Sweden to investigate. Mao replied that "China has seamless channels of communication with applicable parties, including Sweden". She added: "China always advocates cooperation with another countries in order to guarantee the safety of global offshore cables and another infrastructure in accordance with global law". On 29 November, AFP reporter asked reports on Sweden's authoritative request to China to cooperate. A Chinese ministry spokeswoman replied in the last 2 sentences: “China is ready to cooperate with the applicable countries to find out what happened. China and Sweden are in close communication on this issue."
29.11. Lithuania expels 3 Chinese diplomats from the country
At the end of November, Ministry of abroad Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania published a communication that considers 3 unaccredited employees of the Chinese embassy in Vilnius to be non grata persons and thus not to reside in Lithuania. According to the Ministry, specified a decision was taken on the basis of ‘information provided by the competent authorities and the non-compliance of the position and activities of uncredited personnel with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), another principles and practices of global law and the law of the Republic of Lithuania’. Neither did the Ministry make details of the full incident. In this situation, 3 employees of the Chinese embassy received a period of 1 week to leave Lithuania. As the Communication further states, the Lithuanian MFA besides hopes that "the diplomatic relations between the countries will be based on reciprocity and parity, including with respect to Lithuania's diplomatic representation in the People's Republic of China". It appears that the tensions on the Vilnius-Pekin line will flare up again. Since 2021, Lithuanian-Chinese relations have gradually deteriorated due to Taiwan's beginning of its diplomatic representation in Vilnius, which in a sense violates the rule of ‘one China’ which for the PRC is fundamental in relations with another countries. Expulsion of diplomats or embassy workers usually involves retaliatory and analogous action, so in addition to threats and warnings from Beijing, specified steps can besides be expected.
