Chinese foreign minister calls on Sweden to help rebuild trust between the countries

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on Sweden to play a role in rebuilding trust and cultivating a "correct perception" between the two countries, despite recent frictions. Speaking with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm, Wang invoked Sweden's historical significance as the first Western nation to establish diplomatic relations with China.

"Sweden was the first Western country that established diplomatic relations with China, which showed Sweden’s independence and strategic foresight while setting an example globally," Wang stated, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. He emphasized that strengthening dialogue, enhancing understanding, and rebuilding mutual trust are crucial for both nations, with maintaining a correct mutual perception being the fundamental key.

“

Sweden was the first Western country that established diplomatic relations with China, which showed Sweden’s independence and strategic foresight while setting an example globally.

The minister's remarks come at a time when China-Sweden relations have faced difficulties. Globally, European countries, including Sweden, are grappling with trade imbalances and concerns about subsidized Chinese firms undercutting local industries. Brussels has complained about cheap Chinese product sales in the European market, a charge Beijing denies.

While the article mentions broader European issues, the focus of Wang's visit and statement is on bilateral relations. The call for renewed trust and correct perception aims to navigate the complexities and frictions that have emerged in recent years, seeking a more stable foundation for future interactions.

“

Although China-Sweden relations have encountered some difficulties in recent years, strengthening dialogue, enhancing understanding and rebuilding mutual trust have become particularly crucial for both sides, and maintaining a correct mutual perception remains the fundamental key.