Mikołaj Woźniak, Konrad Falkowski
9.05. Slovakian-Chinese talks in Moscow
Against the background of the celebrations of Russia’s Victory Day on May 9, a meeting of representatives of Slovakia and China took place. The parties were represented by Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This was their second personal meeting in the last six months. Also present were the Secretary of the Communist Party of China Cai Qi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The talks mainly concerned issues related to the agreement on the “comprehensive strategic partnership”, which was a kind of continuation of the topic initiated at the end of 2024. At that time, Slovakia and the People’s Republic of China signed agreements raising the profile of bilateral relations. These agreements covered four main areas:
- strengthening political trust;
- enhancing cooperation in the sectors of renewable energy, transport and logistics, infrastructure and water resources management;
- developing people-to-people exchanges;
- coordination in international politics.
Prime Minister Fico stressed that the further implementation of these provisions in the field of cultural, economic and visa cooperation is crucial. One of the main topics was Chinese investments in Slovakia. Fico and Xi discussed two strategic projects. The first concerned the investment of the Swedish company Volvo Cars – owned since 2010 by the Chinese concern Geely – in a production plant in Valaliky (near Košice). The second project involves the construction of a battery factory by the company Gotion near Šurany. The Slovak Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the fact that both projects are being implemented according to plan and enjoy strong support from both Slovakia and China.
During the meeting, the Slovak side expressed interest in establishing the Slovak Institute in Beijing – a soft power institution responsible for promoting Slovak culture, language and art abroad. At the same time, the Chinese side was offered the possibility of expanding the activities of the Confucius Institute in Bratislava, which currently operates as an affiliated unit of Bratislava universities. In addition to socio-cultural issues, the Slovak Prime Minister informed about the government’s actions to simplify the process of issuing work visas to the Schengen area. The lifted restrictions are to primarily concern Chinese entrepreneurs. In connection with this, Fico approached the Chinese side with a proposal to extend the currently applicable visa-free entry of Slovak citizens to China. Currently, Slovaks can stay in China without a visa for a period of 30 days. The visa policy introduced by China on November 8, 2024, covers 38 countries and – according to the announcements of the Chinese authorities – is to be valid until December 31, 2025.
Geopolitical issues were also discussed. The talks turned to the trade conflict that is heating up between China, the US and the EU. In this context, Fico expressed his appreciation for the Chinese leader’s openness to the exchange of views and confirmed that Slovakia is interested in developing balanced and predictable relations with China. The meeting ended with an invitation for the Chinese leader to pay an official visit to Slovakia. Prime Minister Fico emphasised that this would be a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations and the practical implementation of the strategic partnership.
14.05. Merz on China during his first speech in front of the Bundestag
On May 14, the new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, spoke for the first time in this role before the German Bundestag. In his speech, he addressed all the key issues for German politics and economy. He also referred to the issue of relations with China.
At the beginning, Merz noted that the relations between Berlin and Beijing are “shaped by systemic rivalry and power politics,” which can be interpreted as a shift away from the leniency towards China in German foreign policy and towards a more rigorous approach to joint relations. “We observe that in China’s foreign policy actions the elements of systemic rivalry are on the rise,” Merz stated. This evolution of attitude did not come out of nowhere, because the main determinant in this respect is the close cooperation between China and Russia, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. The new German Chancellor described this cooperation as “great concern.” As a result, it will lead to Germany “will push determinedly for China to make its contribution toward ending the war in Ukraine.” Furthermore, Merz announced that Germany’s policy towards China will also be motivated by a “regional approach.” At this point, he stated that “a stable, free and secure Indo-Pacific is for Germany and the EU of great strategic importance.”
However, this does not change the fact, which the German Chancellor also emphasized, that the Chinese “remaina the important partner of Germany and the European Union” in the context of global challenges – and there is no lack of them. And here Merz made a nod to the concept of “de-risking”, which is currently in crisis within the EU. He announced that Germany will continue to “reduce one-side dependencies” – here we are talking primarily about key economic sectors, such as the automotive industry. He also added that in the face of ongoing changes in the international order, “we have learned that we need to diversify our supply chains and [at this point he emphasized again] reduce one-side dependencies.”
In contrast, it is worth mentioning that the Chinese side has commented on Merz’s above claims. Jiang Feng, professor of European Studies at the Shanghai International Studies University, spoke in the Global Times. He accused the German Chancellor of contradicting the assumptions he made: “On the one hand, the German government is eager to revive its economy and cannot afford to bypass China, a major global economic power. On the other hand, over-emphasizing strategic risks in the bilateral relationship may lead German businesses to adopt a more cautious approach toward investing and trading with China.” As a result, according to the Chinese scholar, “what s intended to strengthen ties may instead sow distrust and hesitation, undermining the very cooperation both sides seek.”
15.05. He Lifeng in China
On May 15, Vice Premier He Lifeng visited the French capital to attend the 10th China-France High-Level Economic and Financial Dialogue. He met with French Minister of Economy Eric Lombard. In his statement, He assured that “China is willing to work with France to strengthen coordination on multilateral international affairs, and safeguard an open and cooperative international economic and trade environment.” Furthermore, he said that China is ready to work with France to implement the consensuses reached and strengthen coordination in resolving global challenges, as well as create favorable conditions for the development of a friendly trade and investment environment for both China in France and France in China. He said this would “inject new vitality into the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership while leading China-Europe cooperation to achieve new development.”
Lombard, on the other hand, confirmed to his interlocutor that France attaches great importance to relations with China and wants to work with them in the name of solving the challenges facing the modern world, such as climate change, and support them in strengthening multilateralism and free trade. Moreover, according to the French minister, France will continue to supply the Chinese market with high-quality products and ensure that the business environment is increasingly accessible to Chinese companies.
17.05. Rasmussen in China
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen travelled to China between 17 and 19 May. The visit was connected with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the visit, Rasmussen met with, among others, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party in Tianjin Chen Miner and Mayor of Tianjin Zhang Gong. He also visited the Danish company Danfoss’ factory in China.
During the foreign ministers’ meeting, Wang Yi stressed that China fully respects Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the context of Greenland. This was a reference to controversial statements by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that the United States should take control of the autonomous, resource-rich territory. Wang also expressed hope that Denmark “will continue to support China’s legitimate position on matters concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Later in the talks, Wang noted that China is ready to deepen economic cooperation with Denmark, especially in the field of green technology and scientific innovation.
Rasmussen also met with Chinese Trade Minister Wang Wentao. The talks focused on trade relations between Denmark and China, as well as EU-China economic relations. Both sides addressed the issue of protecting the multilateral trading system. Representatives from the Confederation of Danish Industry and Danish companies such as Novo Nordisk and Carlsberg also participated in the meetings.
Rasmussen’s visit comes just days after Beijing criticized Denmark for hosting former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai met with Danish lawmakers on May 15 and gave a speech at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, accusing China of ramping up cyberattacks and military exercises against Taiwan.
Relations between China and Denmark have been tensed for some time. The main reason is Copenhagen’s informal contacts with Taipei. Tensions peaked in 2009, when the Dalai Lama visited Denmark. Since then, relations have improved, including through so-called “panda diplomacy,” in which Beijing donated two pandas to the Copenhagen Zoo.
19.05. Sikorski-Wang telephone conversation
On May 19, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both Polish and Chinese ministries reported on the event. The scope of topics discussed in the conversation raises some doubts, which results from the discrepancies in the messages from both sides.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed about the conversation in the Polish sphere. It published a short note on the X platform with the information that the topics of the talks were the issues of ending the war in Ukraine, the role of the UN Charter and the security of transport routes between the EU and China. It was also emphasized that Minister Sikorski had renewed the invitation for Wang to visit Poland. Some observers were surprised by the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not publish any official statement on its website – which is standard practice for talks at such a high level.
In turn, the Chinese diplomatic ministry published a more extensive communiqué, which emphasized that Poland is “an important strategic partner of China in Europe.” The Chinese side expressed the expectation that Poland – as the country holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council – will play a more constructive role in promoting greater progress in China-EU relations. Wang also expressed the expectation that Poland will adhere to the international consensus on the One China policy and oppose any actions in favor of “Taiwan independence.” However, the Chinese statement did not mention Wang’s invitation to Poland, which may suggest a lack of mutual confirmation of this intention.
19.05. Wadephul-Wang telephone conversation
On May 19, a telephone conversation took place between the foreign ministers of Germany and China. According to a note from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang Yi congratulated his counterpart on taking office and then announced that “China-Germany relations carry significance beyond the bilateral scope and exert an important influence on global economic development and strategic stability.” In doing so, he expressed hope that the new government in Germany would maintain strategic cooperation between Beijing and Berlin and “pursue a rational and pragmatic policy towards China.” He also implied that the EU’s de-risking policy was undermining the foundations of “normal bilateral cooperation.” Moreover, in the perspective of 50 years of EU-PRC diplomatic relations, Wang believes that Germany should continue to play an active role as an important link between the EU and China, and also bring “fresh momentum” into these relations. The issue of resolving the electric vehicle dispute with the People’s Republic of China is still on China’s agenda, so Wang raised the issue, saying: “China expects that the EU to work with China in the same direction, properly resolve the anti-subsidy case involving Chinese-made electric vehicles at an early date, and promote the upgrading of China-EU cooperation.”
For his part, the new German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul – according to a Chinese statement – stated that relations between Germany and China are “of great significance to the world’s economic development and the future of the international community”, and described the policy of the new government towards China as “proactive”. He stressed that Germany remains committed to the principle of “one China”, which is always of great importance to Beijing. He also noted that due to the position Germany plays in the European Union, it has a duty to get involved in resolving burning issues and misunderstandings between the Union and China, including the issue of Chinese electric cars.
The issue of the war in Ukraine was also raised – here constantly described as the “crisis in Ukraine.” Wang stated that China is promoting the initiation of peace talks that will lead to the achievement of a “fair, lasting and binding peace agreement”. Wadephul, in turn, stated that Germany (as well as the whole of Europe) is counting on “China will exert its influence to achieve a ceasefire”. The Chinese note did not specify exactly what this influence would consist of or who it would affect. Knowing the European narrative, this influence would concern Russia, so that it would leave the territory of Ukraine and cease all violence. However, this was not presented in detail by the Chinese side.
20.05. EU hits the Chinese companies for supporting Russia
The European Union is increasingly focusing on China’s role in bypassing sanctions against Russia. In the new, 17th package of sanctions, adopted on May 20, Brussels introduced further restrictions on Chinese companies that support the Russian arms industry and oil trade. This is part of a broader strategy to pressure third countries that help Moscow despite prohibitions.
The new sanctions cover three Chinese companies that, according to the EU, supply parts for drone production to Russia. This is not the first such move. In December 2024, as part of the 15th package of sanctions, the EU imposed restrictions on seven Chinese entities. Brussels has announced that it will continue this course. The package also includes sanctions against the so-called “shadow fleet” – a network of tankers that transport Russian oil in violation of the embargo. The EU has banned almost 200 such ships, bringing the total number of blocked units to 342. In addition, restrictions have been imposed on shipping companies from third countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Hong Kong, which help organize this procedure. Hard data was recently provided by the German media. Based on a report by the German Foreign Office, revealed by the Süddeutsche Zeitung, NDR and WDR reported that as much as 80% of cases of bypassing sanctions are carried out via China and Hong Kong. This information was confirmed in Brussels by the EU’s sanctions coordinator, David O’Sullivan. The report also shows that companies from the EU itself are involved in the procedure, which complicates the European Commission’s talks with third countries.
The new sanctions package was agreed and introduced together with Great Britain, but – importantly – without the participation of the United States. The reason is the unsuccessful negotiations on this matter. O’Sullivan admitted that there is no longer a permanent channel of cooperation between the EU and the US in the field of sanctions policy. He added that cooperation with the G7 countries on restrictions has “lost its momentum”. According to EU officials, Brussels no longer counts on active support from Washington in the fight against Russia’s evasion of sanctions.
Ukraine also weighed in. Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service Chief Oleh Ivashchenko said on May 26 that China continues to supply Russia with materials needed for weapons production, including machine tools, chemicals, gunpowder, and parts for weapons systems. According to the Ukrainian side, such supplies go to at least 20 Russian factories.
In response to the European Union’s 17th package of sanctions, which also targeted Chinese companies, Beijing expressed strong opposition. On May 21, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that China “firmly oppose those unjustified European sanctions against Chinese companies” and called on the EU to abandon “double standards” in trade relations with Russia. Mao argued that many countries – both in Europe and the United States – still maintain economic contacts with Moscow, which is why sanctions against Chinese companies are, in her opinion, selective and politically motivated. The spokeswoman added that PRC “will do what is necessary to firmly defend its lawful rights and interests.”
22.05. Macron-Xi telephone conversation
On May 22, a telephone conversation took place between Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron – as the Chinese side noted: “at the latter’s request”. Macron, in turn, noted in his post on the X platform that the conversation took place “on the eve of my trip to Southeast Asia” and discussed bilateral trade relations and international affairs. President Xi emphasized that both sides should strive to strengthen and expand cooperation in various fields, such as investment, aviation, space, nuclear energy, the digital sector, green development and biopharmaceuticals. He added that China and France, as two permanent members of the UN Security Council, have the responsibility to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and uphold the authority and position of the United Nations itself and the multilateral order it guards. The Chinese leader also drew attention to the European Union, saying that for China, Europe is always “an independent pole in a multipolar world”, and that Beijing supports the EU’s pursuit of strategic autonomy. The PRC Foreign Ministry’s statement also briefly mentions that the interlocutors exchanged views on the “crisis in Ukraine,” the conflict in Palestine, and Iran’s nuclear program.
Having already mentioned the French president’s post, he noted that his country expressed its desire to continue building strong economic relations with China, hence “Chinese investments are welcome in France.” However, he also immediately explained that “our companies must benefit from fair conditions of competition in both of our countries. This is the fundamental issue.” And something that the Chinese side did not publish in its communiqué was that, in accordance with Macron’s message, the leaders agreed to deal “as soon as possible” with the issue of cognac from France, which is subject to Chinese tariffs. The French president’s post touched on the issue of wars in Ukraine and Palestine to a broader extent. First, he stated that the common point connecting France (and all of Europe) with China is the establishment of a lasting and strong peace in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. He added at this point firmly that such peace must begin “with an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” He went on to note that “we must also work towards a political solution that ensures peace and security for all the people of the Middle East.” Macron announced that France would work with China in preparation for the conference on the two-state solution, scheduled for June in New York. Finally, he announced that he was pleased that Beijing had confirmed its attendance at the next United Nations Ocean Conference.
22.05. Veldkamp in China
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp met with high-ranking Chinese officials during his visit to China on May 22. The first of them was his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, after previously characterizing the current and uncertain international situation, Wang expressed hope that “the Dutch side will abide by the one-China principle with concrete actions and safeguard the political foundation of China-Netherlands relations.” Similarly, he further emphasized that despite growing global tensions, China remains “committed to high-standard opening up.” He spoke positively about the state of trade relations between China and the Netherlands in many economic sectors. Moreover, he said that China invites the Netherlands “to actively explore the cooperation potential in clean energy, green development, artificial intelligence, and the silver economy.” At the same time, he expects the Netherlands to maintain “a just, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country.” The Chinese foreign minister called the Netherlands “the gateway for China-EU cooperation” because, in his opinion, it is a symbol of “open Europe.” He thus expressed his hope that the Netherlands will play a constructive and even more active role in building positive relations with China in the coming years.
Veldkamp repaid his interlocutor by saying that his country “respects China, the Chinese people, and Chinese culture, and admires the tremendous achievements China has made in its development.” He stressed that for the Netherlands, the People’s Republic of China has always been one of the most important partners in the world. He also confirmed that the Netherlands remains committed to the “one China” principle and does not intend to engage in official relations with Taiwan. On his X platform profile, the Dutch Foreign Minister described the meeting as an “important meeting with my colleague Wang Yi in Beijing, at a time when dialogue and global cooperation are more urgent than ever.” He further emphasised the commitment of both countries to supporting climate action, multilateralism and women’s rights. Moving on to business issues, he noted that “the Netherlands and China have much to offer each other business-wise”, but taking into account that there are differences and disputes in these relations. Finally, he added that international security issues were raised, including the risk of a conflict in Taiwan and Chinese support for Russian aggression in Ukraine: “In order to boost EU-China ties, more must be done to address these issues”, Veldkamp said. The Chinese statement also reported in one sentence that such topics were discussed during the conversation.
As for the second meeting, the Dutch minister had the opportunity to exchange views with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. The conversation was not much different from the one with Wang. Ding stated that “is willing to continue the momentum of friendly exchanges with the Netherlands”, taking into account the concerns of both the Dutch and Chinese sides. He emphasized that in building relations with the Netherlands, it is important to strengthen relations and cooperation and jointly protect the prevailing international economic and trade order. He added that the Netherlands will play an increasingly important role in contributing to the “healthy and stable development of China-EU relations”.
Veldkamp, on the other hand, reiterated that the Netherlands and China are important partners for each other, and that his country is ready to increase exchange and cooperation, including in the area of solving global challenges of both an economic and security nature. Confirmation of the above information can be found again on the X platform, where Veldkamp wrote: “We have clear shared interests: trade, addressing global challenges.” He also reported that together with the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister they discussed climate, multilateralism and women’s rights. He did not fail to raise the issue of Chinese involvement in the war in Ukraine: “I also pointed out our concerns. For example, China’s enabling of Russia’s war in Ukraine and human rights issues.”
23.05. Merz-Xi telephone conversation
A few days after the meeting between the German and Chinese foreign ministers, a telephone conversation took place between the leaders of both sides. Xi Jinping congratulated the new chancellor on taking office. In his opening remarks, the Chinese president noted that the world is facing rapid changes that have not been seen for centuries, and that the international landscape itself is revealing itself as “more complex and turbulent”, which at the same time emphasizes the increasingly visible “strategic and overarching significance of China-Germany and China-EU relations.” Therefore, as Xi noted, China is ready for the possibility of cooperation with Germany to “open a new chapter” in bilateral relations. According to the Chinese leader, mutual respect, seeking common ground and putting aside differences are the foundations of Sino-German relations. So, in this spirit, Beijing and Berlin should consolidate political mutual trust, increase the resilience of bilateral relations and inject momentum into their cooperation. Xi further stressed that this “partnership is the proper positioning of China-Germany and China-EU relations”, especially from the perspective of the anniversary of EU-China relations, in which both sides should “review the successful experience” which would send a positive signal to the emerging but threatened multilateralism in the modern world.
Referring to the German spokesman’s report, Merz also expressed his willingness to engage in partnership-based cooperation that would help counteract global challenges. Like Xi, he also emphasized the importance of economic relations between Germany and China, while noting the importance of fair competition and reciprocity. According to the Chinese statement, Merz reaffirmed adherence to the “one China” principle. Similarly, it can be read that “Germany expects to enhance exchanges and cooperation with China in various areas, uphold openness and mutual benefit, boost fair trade, safeguard world peace and jointly tackle climate change and other global challenges.” In addition, Germany is ready to play “a proactive role” in the cooperation of a unified Europe with the People’s Republic of China. The spokesman for the German Chancellor also reported that the leaders raised the issue of the war in Ukraine. Merz appealed to his interlocutor to join the efforts of Europe and the United States to reach a peace agreement as soon as possible. Moreover, Merz and Xi agreed to “soon resume direct exchanges to further develop China-Germany cooperation.”
28.05. Czechs accuse Beijing of cyberattack
On May 28, the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement, which stated that “following the national attribution process, the Government of the Czech Republic has identified the People´s Republic of China as being responsible for malicious cyber campaign targeting one of the unclassified networks of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” As a result of the attack, thousands of classified emails were exposed. According to the Czech report, the cyber activity was supposed to have lasted from 2022, and the operation itself was carried out by the Chinese state-sponsored group Advanced Persistent Threat 31 (APT31). This group is closely linked to the Ministry of State Security of the People’s Republic of China. The investigation into this matter was conducted by all Czech security services, which are to confirm the certainty of the origin of the cyberattack. In this regard, “the Government of the Czech Republic strongly condemns this malicious cyber campaign against its critical infrastructure.” As noted in the press release of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such behavior undermines the credibility of the People’s Republic of China in the international arena and contradicts its public declarations, and even more so the common standards and norms of the international community of states. Thus, Prague called on Beijing to start respecting the above norms and principles and refrain from committing similar actions in the future.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský accused the Chinese of testing the Czech Republic’s resilience and democracy: “With today’s move, we have exposed China, which has long been working to undermine our resilience and democracy.” He also stated that this is blatant interference in the life of Czech society: “Through cyberattacks, information manipulation, and propaganda, it interferes in our society — and we must defend ourselves against that.
The European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance stood together in solidarity, condemning the entire situation. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced that the Union was ready to take appropriate action to counter China’s malicious actions. “This attack is an unacceptable breach of international norms. The EU will not tolerate hostile cyber actions, and we stand in solidarity with the Czech Republic,” she said during her conference. On the same day, an official statement condemning China’s actions and calling on all countries, “including China,” not to use such solutions, but to respect international law and the norms and principles developed at the UN forum, could also be found on the European Commission’s website. NATO also issued a condemning statement, writing: “We strongly condemn malicious cyber activities intended to undermine our national security, democratic institutions and critical infrastructure.” It went on to emphasize that this behavior is indicative of broader cyber activity, rather than an isolated incident: “We observe with increasing concern the growing pattern of malicious cyber activities stemming from the People’s Republic of China.”
China also addressed the situation through its embassy in Prague. When asked about the APT31 cyberattack, the spokesman for the Chinese diplomatic mission replied: “We express deep concern and strong opposition to the groundless accusations against the Chinese side.” In his opinion, any investigation into the origin of malicious cyber activities must be “based on clear and credible evidence.” He thus questioned the professionalism of the Czech services, stating that “in relation to the so-called APT31, the Chinese side has repeatedly conducted technical analyses and explanations that clearly show that the relevant evidence is insufficient, and the conclusions are unprofessional.” Therefore, the Czech Republic’s “slandering and defaming of China” is absolutely unacceptable to Beijing. He further emphasized that China has always opposed such activities and does not accept, promote or tolerate hacking. Finally, the spokesman for the Chinese embassy in the Czech Republic called on the government in Prague “to immediately correct its mistakes, end microphone diplomacy, and genuinely adhere to and implement the UN Framework for Responsible State Behavior, and to approach cybersecurity issues objectively and honestly.”
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