Authors: Mikołaj Woźniak, Konrad Falkowski. Content support: Łukasz Kobierski
3.02. Kallas on China at the EU 2025 Conference of Ambassadors
Between 3 and 7 February held The EU 2025 Conference of Ambassadors, an yearly event where exchanges of views take place between participants and high-level representatives of the external activities of the European Union. The discussions concern the themes of EU diplomacy, global challenges and the strategical perspectives of the EU.
In his own opening speech The advanced typical of the Union for abroad Affairs and safety Policy, in addition to apparent war-related themes in Ukraine, besides raised the issues of China. In its first sentence, it concluded that ‘China is simply a strategical competitor’, in a sense deuplicating the current one, i.e. since 2019, strategy The EU vis-à-vis China, where the PRC is seen at 3 levels: firstly, as a ‘negotiation partner’, secondly, as a ‘economic competitor’ and thirdly, as a ‘system rival’. The reason for this, in her opinion, is that the Chinese “are increasingly assertive, present worldwide and competitive.”
She further noted that both many EU associate States have crucial interests in China or in the context of trade with China, as well as the European Union itself has been the biggest outlet for Chinese to date. However, at this point she besides expressed her warning: “But we should not repeat the same mistakes with China that we made with Russia. Dependence makes us vulnerable." Her remedium on specified a improvement of the threat is simple, postulated as early as 2023 by president Ursula von der Leyen, i.e. de-risking"When necessary, the EU has shown that it can free itself from Russia. So if we want to reduce the risks associated with China, we can do that.”
Moreover, "China's assertiveness has besides shown us where the EU can prosecute closer partnerships," Kallas said. In turn, it listed countries specified as Japan, South Korea, Australia, fresh Zealand, as well as another countries in the region, which it did not mention by name, but it could be suspected that the ASEAN countries that are conflicted with the PRC, e.g. the Philippines, or India, are mentioned here, but the partnership with India seems to be much more complicated due to the Indian tendency to balance different forces internationally.
4.02. Von der Leyen on China at the EU 2025 Conference of Ambassadors
The following day, i.e. on 4 February, was published a reading of a speech by the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen besides from the EU Conference of Ambassadors 2025. Like the erstwhile speaker, she besides raised the issue of the People's Republic of China. But before we get to that, it is worth quoting the words of the president, who echoed more. Namely, she stated that "the view of the planet towards expanding cooperation and hyperglobalisation has become obsolete". In her opinion, the sum of all fears continues to rise: "From fear of climate change, through artificial intelligence, to migration or simply to lag behind." She further stated that the above "disturbances besides for global affairs" and that "the countries usage their sources of force against each other", which inevitably led to "we are in the era of hypercompetitive and hypertransactional geopolitics". What does Von der Leyen mean by that? He understands a planet where:
- Nothing is certain, especially the standards and principles developed;
- the main powers search to maximise their advantages;
- the spheres of influence are recently built and conquest occurs;
- authoritarianism grows stronger and consolidates around Russia;
- The disappointment of the emerging powers of the current global strategy directs them towards those who offer the best deal.
As regards China itself, the "personal" mentioned above, she said that "it will be an intense year in our relations with China", especially due to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. According to von der Leyen, "the relations with China are among the most complicated and crucial in the world". This, in turn, is crucial because, as she pointed out, "the way we deal with them will be a decisive origin in our future economical prosperity and national security." This message gives a feeling that the European Commission is taking the threat coming from Beijing very seriously in its current composition.
Unlike Kallas von der Leyen, in her speech, she utilized the word ‘trade partner’ in relation to the PRC. She cited that around 9% of exports and over 20% of imports of goods mention to the state of trade relations with the Chinese, adding that "most of this trade is beneficial for both parties". However, trade with China is subject to considerable risks and disparities. In her opinion, the European Union must "balance these relations and guarantee that our trade and investment relations make sense for Europe, both for its economy and for its security." And here comes the concept one more time de-risking as an antidote to risky relations with Beijing: "Therefore we will proceed to reduce risks in our economical relations – as we have done in fresh years."
The EC president presented for her part a somewhat more agreeable approach, a bit little hawks, which is most likely due to the American spectrum customs duties to the European Union. Although any distance must be kept in this opinion, due to the fact that the United States will be a key partner in all respect for the EU. However, in the context of China von der Leyen, she hoped that there was a "place for constructive commitment to China – and uncovering solutions in our common interest. And I think we can find agreements that could even extend our trade and investment ties." Speaking of being a "thin boundary on which we must walk", she pointed out that, despite this risk, "this could lead to a fairer and more balanced relation with 1 of the world's economical giants. And that may make sense for Europe."
5.02. Chinese MFA on von der Leyen words
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of abroad Affairs of the People's Republic of China, has been asked by writer Reuter for von der Leyen's speech, in which she acknowledged that there was area for the EU and China to come to an agreement, i.e. they were able to find "solutions in our common interest". The journalist, drawing on his question, asked whether the speech of the president had been somewhat blunt and, in this case, Beijing would consider stepping up talks and negotiations with Brussels "in the face of the increasing competitiveness of planet trade".
A spokesperson for the Chinese MFA in his first words acknowledged that the current planet is increasingly little “stable and confident” and “high risks of division, fragmentation and disorder are emerging”, which is why EU-China relations “are of greater strategical importance and global impact”. He further acknowledged that China's relation with the European Union is simply a precedence and sees the European bloc as "its comprehensive strategical partner and an crucial and independent pole in a multi-polar world". First, the reversal of Kaji Kallas's words (China as a ‘strategic rival’) and, secondly, the emphasis that the current global order is simply a regulation in which there are many poles, not only 1 (in the form of the United States), and that the Union is simply a fundamental component of this arrangement, which in this case is independent again from the US. The golden anniversary of the EU-China relation is besides not irrelevant to the PRC, because, as Lin stated, "we are at a crucial minute due to the fact that relations are entering another chapter". It further confirmed China's willingness to work with the Union to implement crucial agreements, strengthen strategical communication, increase confidence, grow existing cooperation, and work together to respond to global challenges and thus turn the planet "to a more unchangeable and safe place".
6.22. Lu Shaye as China's fresh peculiar European envoy
Lu Shaye, who served in the years 2019-2025 as the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to France, remained appointed as China's peculiar Envoy for European Affairs. Thus the first peculiar envoy left the above post, since the establishment of this function in 2019, i.e. Wu Hongbo.
Lu's replacement of Wu by Lu involves any controversy, namely Lu himself, who over the last six years in France has become known as a book example of a diplomat from the Chinese mainstream of "the large warrior". specified diplomacy can define In the words of the investigator on the subject Peter Martin: "The diffusion of a wolf warrior has become a short word for a new, assertive kind of Chinese diplomacy". It points to the fact that Chinese diplomats had "a tendency to keep a low profile and to be reasonably cautious and average in the way they interacted with the outside world", which has changed and since the first decade of the 21st century they have become increasingly "more militant and assertive, showing behaviours which scope from leaving the global gathering to shouting at abroad counterparts and even insulting abroad leaders." Authors of the Diplomat Duan Xiaolin and Liu Yitong They made a brief summary of the “wild warriors” in which Lu was just discussed.
But what did Lu do to get him on that list? The first controversy was linked to his offensive opinions regarding the handling of Western states with the COVID-19 pandemic. How writes On this case, Elisa Braun of POLITCO "defensed China's consequence to the wellness crisis and accused Western democracies of reckless behaviour, including allegations that French wellness workers had left older people to die in nursing homes". specified words sparked an avalanche of criticism from French politicians, which resulted in the call for a Chinese ambassador to meet the then French abroad Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. Second, his message regarding the sovereignty of the states of the erstwhile russian Union besides echoed more widely. During interview for French tv in 2023 Lu stated that the russian states, which were erstwhile part of the USSR, "have no actual position in global law". erstwhile asked about the question of the nationality of Crimea, he said that it "depends on how you perceive this problem" and that "it is not that simple". He besides added that Crimea “was Russian at first”, without specifying what it understood by saying “in the beginning”.
6 February Guo Jiakun, a Chinese MFA press secretary, during the interview with journalists confirmed reports "South China Morning Post" on taking over as China's peculiar Envoy for European Affairs by Lu. Guo outlined the responsibilities of the fresh envoy: "it will aid coordinate and handle European affairs and will consult and exchange with European countries and EU institutions if necessary". Moreover, he hoped that the erstwhile ambassador of the PRC to France would "promot dialog and cooperation and make a good contribution to the sustainable and robust improvement of China-European relations".
The diplomacy of the "wild warrior" is no longer a mainstream for Beijing, but it can be suspected that the choice of Lu for this function was not accidental and in the right (for China) moments of "the large sense" can yet manifest itself.
14.02. Wang Yi at the Munich safety Conference
From 14 to 16 February 2025 held 61st Munich safety Conference, attended by representatives of many countries and organisations, although representatives of the Euro-Atlantic countries were the lead. However, there were no shortages of officials from Asia – countries specified as Indonesia, Pakistan or China. And in this case China is most interesting from the position of the Review.
The mediate State was represented by abroad Minister Wang Yi. It is worth quoting his speech in the forum, i.e. the speech entitled “A steadfast constructive force in a changing world”. A Steadfast Constructive Force in a Changing World). The main message of this speech was to advance the multipolar world, which is no novum in the current PRC strategy. Wang asked if multipolarity active chaos and conflict, and at the same time replied on behalf of China: “We should work for an equal and orderly multipolar world. This is another crucial proposal made by president Xi Jinping and reflects our sincere expectations for the multipolar world. China will surely be a origin of certainty in this multipolar strategy and will strive to be a steadfast constructive force in a changing world." The next part of the speech can be divided into 4 points, as the talker himself said. He stressed the importance of the following issues in relation to multipolarity: firstly, it is essential to "promote equal treatment", secondly, to "observate global regulation of law", thirdly, to "implement multilateralism" and fourthly, to "go for openness and common benefit". The improvement of these themes can be found in the authoritative read Wang's speeches on the Chinese MFA website.
Bilateral meetings were another crucial part of the Munich safety Conference. The head of Chinese diplomacy met with many of his counterparts (and not only). The following are the meetings concerning representatives of the European Union and its associate States, together with their characteristics.
- Wang-Kallas
Kaja Kallas and Wang Yi performed bilateral discussions on the state of relations on the Brussels-Pekin line and the geopolitical situation in the world. Kallas confirmed the European Union's readiness to proceed dialog and cooperation with China in areas specified as trade, economical relations and the fight against climate change. Importantly, she raised the issue of the Russian attack on Ukraine – the EU's head of diplomacy stressed how much Chinese-Russian dual-use goods trade "powers war against Ukraine". She called on China to halt doing so, noting that this situation was threatening European security, not just Ukraine itself. Wang of his side presented China's position on the Russian-Ukrainian War or the Ukrainian crisis, saying "China supports all efforts towards peace and supports Europe in playing a crucial function in the peace negotiations process". He besides added that there are "no fundamental conflicts of geopolitical interest" between Brussels and Beijing, while China itself is on the side of multilateralism and supporting the key function of the United Nations in the modern world. He besides made it clear that his country wanted to "enhance strategical communication with the EU, enhance common knowing and contribute jointly to greater global stability". Both sides besides discussed the forthcoming EU-China Summit.
- Wang-Merz
Against the background of the Munich safety Conference, Wang Yi met with the president of the German Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) – Friedrich Merzem on 14 February. It was a formal meeting, during which the parties exchanged courtesy. Of Chinese narrative It follows that Wang stressed that Germany's friendly policy towards China is in their national interest and fits into a globalising global environment. He besides presented China's general plans for modernisation and development. At the same time, he hoped that Germany would proceed a pragmatic policy based on equal and open dialogue. Wang besides pointed out that China supports Germany's greater function in global and regional matters, especially in the context of the unstable global situation. According to his further statement, China is curious in strengthening cooperation and coordination with Germany in order to keep free trade and advance multilateralism. According to Chinese media, Merz expressed his approval for Chinese-German cooperation and confirmed its affirmative character. During the meeting, the parties besides exchanged views on the Russian-Ukrainian War.
- Wang-Baerbock
On the same day Wang Yi met with another typical of the German authorities, German abroad Minister Annalena Baerbock. According to Chinese transmission, both the form of the gathering and the issues raised were akin to those discussed during the discussion with Friedrich Merzem. Wang emphasized Germany's crucial function in the modern planet and the affirmative dynamics and stableness of Chinese-German relations. He besides added that China does not interfere with the interior affairs of another countries, but besides advocates green transformation and sustainable development. He expressed his willingness to step up his cooperation with Germany to jointly address global challenges specified as climate change. During Wang's gathering stated"In the face of increasing protectionism, the revival of the cold war mentality and widespread unilateral intimidation, China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Germany and another countries in order to make a broad consensus and a unified position to keep global peace and stability." According to Chinese sources, Baerbock replied that Germany opposes customs and trade wars and is willing to cooperate with China to jointly support multilateralism and free trade. It besides confirmed Germany's interest in strengthening coordination with China on global issues, including green development. Both parties besides exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and another applicable global issues.
- Wang-Scholz
The last gathering with a typical of the German authorities was held on 15 February in Munich, where the Chinese abroad Minister met with the then German Chancellor – Olaf Scholz. During the talks, the Chinese side expressed its desire to deepen its multidimensional cooperation with Germany in order to keep planet peace and stability. The information provided by the Chinese side shows that Wang has given approval to the actions of Germany which argue the duties imposed by the EU on China. He presented it as “rational and pragmatic“ approach. The Chinese party's message stressed that Germany remains a key partner playing an crucial function in resolving trade tensions and another disputes between China and the EU. The stabilising function of Germany in relations between the 2 parties has besides been highlighted. The message besides mentions the request to improve the relation between China and the European Union, although the details of this issue are not specified. During the gathering discussed besides the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The discussion was to a large degree a repetition of those besides delivered at the Munich safety Conference. Wang presented China's position as being in line with the European position to prosecute a peaceful solution to the crisis. However, he stressed that all peace talks must be held with all parties active in the conflict.
- Wang-Albares
Another typical of the unit of united Europe, which Wang Yi met, was Spanish abroad Minister Jose Manuel Albares. During Wang's conversation saidthat China is ready to cooperate with Spain in order to implement the "important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries" (it referred here to the September Sanchez-Xi gathering last year, which can be read of in September "Review) and to make bilateral relations. According to the head of Chinese diplomacy, this situation will benefit both sides, as well as "put more stableness into Chinese-European relations". He besides invited Spanish companies to grow their business on the Chinese market. He besides made it clear that China and Spain in this turbulent planet and the returning "almost jungle" should jointly implement the assumptions of multilateral global governance and even more: "promoting the democratisation of global relations, building a wider global consensus and working together to advance equal and organised multipolarity". In your own Common On X Albares, he wrote: "With my Chinese counterpart Wang Yi we discussed our excellent bilateral relations, multilateralism and the situation in Ukraine". In the context of Ukraine, however, it was not possible to find mention in the Chinese Communication of the ongoing war in this country. This may be suspected in the statement: "Both parties have besides exchanged views on subjects of common interest". Albares besides wrote in his entry that "Spain is cooperating with China in addressing global issues specified as the climate crisis, and in the Seville Conference on improvement Financing", thus most likely wanting to emphasise the importance of cooperation between Madrid and Beijing.
- Wang-Barrot
Mr Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for European and abroad Affairs of France, performed interview with Wang Yi on February 15, off the Munich conference. It dealt primarily with wars in Ukraine, trade and regional crises. Barrot, having touched on Ukraine's theme, said that without engagement in Ukraine's peace process, as well as Europe's lasting peace would not take place. Why Wang referred His Chinese approach to the issue of peace and his hope for "permanent advancement in peace talks based on consensus between all parties and the establishment of a sustainable, effective and sustainable European safety framework". As regards trade, Barrot stressed "the urgent request to return to a peaceful relation between the European Union and China, for the benefit of all". He besides raised the burning issue of the Chinese anti-dumping investigation of European cognac and brandy in Paris. The head of the Chinese MFA pointed out that China is counting on "the EU to keep open cooperation, advance free trade and work with China in the same direction while taking into account the legitimate concerns of each party", as the PRC wants to proceed "constructive dialog with the EU on this issue". In addition, tensions in Indo-Pacific and the mediate East were raised, including the improvement of Iran's atomic programme. According to the Chinese side on the conflict in Gaza, "both parties agreed to strengthen communication and coordination in the conflict in Gaza, advance deescalation and return to a two-state solution". At the very end, ministers agreed to keep close contact with each another in these issues, especially with respect to Barrot's upcoming visit to China.
- Wang-Lipavský
Wang Yi met with his own on February 15 Czech equivalent, John Lipavský. According to both Chinese and Czech narratives, the gathering raised issues related to global security, including the war in Ukraine, Czech cooperation with Taiwan and aspects of applicable cooperation between both countries. According to the Chinese statement, Minister Wang pointed out the deterioration of the relation between the parties and recommended a Czech authoreflexion site, which would aid to make fresh perspectives and reconstruct common trust. He stressed that respect for the fundamental interests of China and respect for the rule of "one China" was crucial for this process. In the Chinese Communication, the Ukrainian issue was considered secondary. The Czech side reports that the talks focused mainly on the situation in Ukraine. "We talked about global safety in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine" –He said Lipavský after the meeting. He besides added: "I have clearly stressed that the Russian invasion will have global consequences that will affect the full world". In addition, the Czech Minister pointed out that he and Wang raised issues of applicable cooperation between the Czech Republic and China, including the effects of US tariffs on planet trade. He besides stressed that during the discussion he presented the Czech position on relations with Taiwan, stating that Prague Development economic, cultural and scientific-technical cooperation with Taipei.
- Wang-Schallenberg
On the evening of February 15, against the background of the Munich safety Conference, a gathering was held between Chinese abroad Minister Wang Yi and Austrian interim Chancellor and abroad Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Diplomat talks focused on global safety issues. Wang returned Notes that "the planet is presently facing the challenges of safety and economical risks, with intertwined factors of instability and uncertainty". He besides stressed that Austria, as a permanent neutral country, has long served as a "building bridge" and mediator in global matters. The Chinese minister pointed out that China is willing to cooperate with Austria in order to advance multilateralism together, keep the authority of the UN, defend the global legal order and argue unilateral acts based on intimidation. Schallenberg, in turn, stated that Austria and China have common respect and close cooperation on both bilateral and multilateral issues. Austria appreciates its relations with China and seeks to strengthen dialog and make cooperation. He besides stated that "the breakdown of supply chains and the break-up of cooperation" was not in the interest of either party, stressing that only open cooperation could lead to improvement and prosperity. The Chinese message shows that during the gathering the parties besides exchanged views on the situation in the mediate East and another current global issues.
17.02. Wang Yi in Ireland
After attending the Munich safety Conference, Minister for abroad Affairs Chin Wang Yi went on a journey to visit the capital of Ireland and meet Simon Harris there, i.e. tánaiste (Vice Prime Minister), Minister of abroad Affairs and Trade and Minister of Defence of Ireland. According to message Irish parties, interlocutors exchanged views on bilateral relations, EU-China relations, multilateral engagement and regional and global issues. It is worth noting that last January a akin visit from a Chinese typical to Dublin took place – the Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang met the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) who was then in office. Leo Varadkarem (the more extended event was characterized in "Review” of January 2024.) For this gathering – how to read from Chinese notes “To implement the consensus reached by their leaders and to be partners based on common trust, respect and support,” Wang besides said. Harris, for his part, stressed that “relationship with China is very valuable to us”.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland acknowledged that Ireland was curious in maintaining comprehensive economical relations with China, highlighting the request for transparency, fair rules and equal opportunities in these relations. The Chinese Communication indicated that Ireland "opposed decouplingIt’s okay. ” Furthermore, Harris was to rise the issue of allowing Irish beef to resume access to China. Although the Chinese side did not share the same information in its communication. This thread concerns the temporary ban on supplies beef from Ireland to China (and South Korea) due to the detection of an different case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in 1 of the Irish cows.
In the course of the discussion, Harris expressed his hope that, in connection with the 50th anniversary of the European Union's relations with the People's Republic of China, further advancement could be made on issues specified as digitisation, trade, the environment, human rights and another areas, as the foundations of the major EU-China Summit this year. Wang said in a akin speech that "China and Ireland should nurture and make successful experiences of China-EU relations over the past decades". Both agreed on the issue of multipolarism in the modern world, with Harris stressing the importance of the United Nations institutions for Irish abroad policy. Wang besides stated that China was on the UN side to uphold the authority of this organization, thus protecting the prevailing global legal standards, opposing unilaterality, and rejecting the reborn "law of the jungle".
Tánaiste besides raised the issue of human rights incompatible with the PRC. He expressed his country's concern about the Hong Kong National safety Act and Beijing's approach to minorities in Sinciang (and not only). As you might have guessed, the Chinese side in no way referred to this in its message.
The situation in Ukraine and the mediate East was further discussed. Harris asked China to "use their influence in Russia to end the illegal invasion of Ukraine". He added: “Every peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine must be based on the United Nations Charter and must respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. There must be no discussion of Ukraine's future without Ukraine." Wang, for his part, was to confirm that China was in favour of seeking peace that would be acceptable to each party. Furthermore, he stressed that the Union is of peculiar importance in the peace process as well as in the improvement of a fresh safety architecture in the region. On the another hand, as regards the problem of the conflict in Palestine, both parties agreed on the request to suspend their arms and to comply with the hostage relief agreement and to supply continued humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland summed up his gathering with the Chinese head of diplomacy as follows: "Our gathering present one more time stressed the essential function and value of diplomacy in discussions on both areas of cooperation and on issues we disagree on".
24.02. Spain calls for an independent EU strategy towards the PRC
Jose Manuel Albares, Spanish abroad Minister, in an interview with the Financial Times statedthat the European Union should trust on itself in the context of developing a strategy for the People's Republic of China alternatively than passively copying the United States' confrontational approach – at this point with president Donald Trump at the head. In his opinion, “Europe must make its own decisions. And we gotta decide erstwhile China can be a partner and erstwhile a competitor." These words can be attached to the Macronian concept of strategical autonomy, which the French president has been promoting on the European political scene for respective years. However, Albares continued that “we can surely have a dialog with a country that I consider to be our natural ally, the United States. But Europe must make its own decisions." The words of the head of Spanish diplomacy reflect the increasingly tense relation between Brussels and the Trump administration. Therefore, in his view, the EU should be allowed more freedom to choose, not allies and rivals, but, above all, partners, as his words in the further part of the interview confirm: "If China can be a partner, let us usage this. [...] If we can be competition, we must defend our citizens and our industry."
So much besides depends on China - whether they want to be a partner, which the European Union besides wants. Brussels sets the conditions that China may not necessarily like, as is seen at least in the context of Beijing's subsidies to Chinese companies. If China does not want to play by EU rules, the agreement will be more hard to achieve, but Brussels' firmness may soften due to Washington's offensive. According to Katja Bego of Chatham House, Trump's approach push European Union towards the Chinese. Europeans themselves could benefit from this by formulating a more independent strategy, but there is no shortage of risk. According to Bego, the leaders in the associate States themselves, as in this case Albares, will "see an chance to signal closer ties with China as a lever to safe further US commitments".
