Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met visiting Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard on Thursday in Beijing, stressing that the two sides should regard each other as partners rather than rivals, and maintain a cooperative approach that prioritizes collaboration over disagreements.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also expressed hope that Sweden would adopt independent strategic thinking and a long-term perspective in developing bilateral ties, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
In highlighting Sweden’s role as an important EU country and the first Western nation to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, Wang noted that bilateral relations have faced setbacks in recent years, and emphasized the need for face-to-face communication to rebuild mutual trust.
Despite differences in history, culture, and social systems, the past 75 years demonstrate that respect, equality, and seeking common ground while reserving differences can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes, Wang said.
2025 marks the 75th anniversary of China-Sweden diplomatic relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden exchanged congratulatory messages, agreeing to deepen practical cooperation and promote steady development of bilateral relations, Wang said, noting that China is willing to work with Sweden to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, make full use of institutional dialogues in trade and economic cooperation, expand pragmatic collaboration in trade, investment, technological innovation, life sciences, digital economy, and green development, and enhance coordination in multilateral affairs such as climate change.
China also expressed its willingness to offer visa-free policy for Swedish citizens to encourage cultural exchanges, and hoped Sweden would play a constructive role in promoting healthy China-EU relations, the Chinese Foreign Minister said.
Stenergard said she was pleased to be the first Swedish foreign minister in 16 years to visit China. She recalled that Sweden was the first Western country to recognize the PRC as the sole legitimate government representing all of China 75 years ago. Sweden attaches great importance to relations with China and upholds the one-China policy.
Stenergard expressed Sweden’s willingness to strengthen dialogue, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and properly manage differences. She also noted that the positive achievements of China-Sweden relations over the past 75 years and highlighted the vast potential for future cooperation.
Sweden is committed to building a mutually beneficial and balanced economic relationship with China, strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technological innovation, and green transformation, and deepening exchanges in education and cultural fields, Stenergard said.
The Swedish diplomat also thanked China for implementing the visa-free policy, which she believes will encourage more Swedes to visit China and deepen their understanding of the country.
Stenergard affirmed Sweden’s recognition of China’s important role in international affairs, congratulated China on hosting the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, and appreciated China’s announcement of a new round of nationally determined contributions to combat climate change. Sweden remains committed to an open and free trade system and supports strengthening dialogue and cooperation, she said.
The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues, including the Ukraine crisis, according to the statement.
