Chinese Ambassador: ”Sweden’s Götheborg Ship Was Among the Earliest Vessels to Engage in Maritime Trade with China”

Ambassador Cui Aimin and the East Indiaman Götheborg replica of the original ship that went to China for trade.

Torbjorn Sassersson and Christian Pavón from NewsVoice interviewed Cui Aimin, the Chinese ambassador to Sweden, about the future of China-Sweden relations. In this section, we discuss Swedish factories in China, trade, Sweden’s ship Götheborg, which sailed to China in 1739, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the BRICS.

Swedish companies in China

T. Sassersson: When I researched which major Swedish companies are doing business in China, I found that all the major Swedish industries are still present. That must be proof of a working relationship, despite the current political turmoil, because it appears that business is being conducted. At the same time, some politicians and journalists attempt to portray it in a negative light. What is your comment on that?

Ambassador Cui Aimin: Despite the accelerated changes in the international landscape, China-Sweden relations, generally speaking, are stable, and more importantly, China’s development is stable, harmonious and progressive, and that is why Swedish enterprises are optimistic about the Chinese market and would like to increase their cooperation with and investment in China.

As I just said, China and Sweden are each other’s largest trading partners in Asia and the Nordic region, respectively. I think this speaks volumes about the enthusiasm of the business community for each other’s markets and the scale of economic and trade cooperation between our two countries.

Now, more than 500 Swedish companies are doing business in China and are engaged in more than 1,000 cooperation projects. More than 10,000 Swedish companies are involved in business and trade with China.

In recent years, more and more Chinese enterprises are coming to Sweden to cooperate in emerging industries, such as science and technology and its applications. And there are a number of successful cases.

No matter how the international landscape evolves, China-Sweden economic and trade cooperation has never stopped. Sweden’s advanced technologies and concepts align very well with China’s pursuit of the green transition. China’s vast markets and huge development potential have provided broader space for cooperation.

I think there is a saying that captures our cooperation very well: Embracing China is embracing opportunities, believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future.

We welcome more friends from all sectors in Sweden to continue expanding and deepening cooperation with China to achieve greater mutual benefits.

Trade and tariffs

Christian Pavón: Do you, Mr. Ambassador, believe that Trump’s tariff war against Europe and China will help further Chinese and European relations rather than separate them?

Cui Aimin: Recently, Donald Trump has imposed unreasonable tariffs on many countries, including China, in violation of economic rules and market principles. Such action has seriously harmed our development interests, disrupted the global economic order, and created many troubles for other countries. Such action will inevitably face widespread opposition from the international community.

If we examine the trade between China and the US, as well as between the EU and the US, it is clear that both China and the EU are victims of the US’s unreasonable tariffs. Both China and the EU are firm advocates of free trade and economic globalisation, and we stand firmly against unilateralism and power politics.

China attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU. Both China and the EU are strong forces for world peace, stability, and development. Our relationship must continue to progress. Although China and the EU have some trade disputes or disagreements, we will be able to move our economic and trade relations forward with the spirit of mutual benefit, mutual respect, and friendly consultation.

China does not seek a trade war with the US. If a trade war is what the US wants, China is ready to fight to the end. If the US wants to talk, China’s door for talks remains open. Our countermeasures are taken to safeguard our legitimate rights and interests.

Nevertheless, we still hope that we can reach an agreement with the US in the spirit of mutual respect, fairness, justice, and mutual benefit, so as to move forward the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and contribute to global development in the process.

T. Sassersson: I have two more questions about BRI and BRICS. For viewers unaware of BRI, it’s about infrastructure projects in which China and its partners build bridges, harbours, roads, and railways to improve trade.

We also have the BRICS cooperation between many countries. Could Sweden gain from membership in BRICS? Could Sweden gain anything from becoming a BRI member?

Cui Aimin: The BRI has become one of the most widely welcomed global public goods and the largest platform for international cooperation. So, what is the BRI really about? I think its primary goal is to promote global connectivity and economic collaboration, to advance green and sustainable development, to deepen the coordinated development of science, technology, and the digital economy, to enhance global governance through alignment with multilateral rules, and to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The benefits of the Belt and Road initiative go beyond the economic realm. More importantly, through its emphasis on green transition, innovation in rulemaking, and stronger people-to-people ties, the BRI exemplifies a practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The BRI was launched by China, but it belongs to the world. That is why we have always followed the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits in its implementation.

Global participation is essential for the BRI. All countries, including Sweden, can be participants, contributors and beneficiaries of this initiative.

About 30 European countries have engaged in BRI cooperation with China, covering areas such as infrastructure, logistics, ports and finance. We sincerely welcome Sweden and other Northern European countries to join the big family of BRI and contribute to global connectivity and sustainable development.

Götheborg went to China in 1739

Sweden’s Götheborg ship was among the earliest vessels to engage in maritime trade with China, enriching the essence of the Maritime Silk Road. Recently, I read a book about the history of Sweden’s trade with the East.

I learned that Sweden was once the farthest northwest country on the ancient Silk Road. We hope the BRI will serve as a valuable platform for the connectivity, cooperation, and common development of China and Europe, including Sweden. We are willing to engage in discussions with the Swedish side on the BRI. We welcome Sweden’s early participation in the Initiative.

BRICS

T. Sassersson: And also, the BRICS, does your answer include the BRICS cooperation?

Cui Aimin: BRICS cooperation represents cooperation among the Global South. BRICS cooperation is formed by emerging markets and developing countries. It aligns with the international community’s aspirations to uphold peace, promote development, and improve global governance.

It has been nearly 20 years since BRICS was established, and now the BRICS family accounts for nearly half of the world’s population, 1/3 of the global economic output, and 50% of the global economic growth.

The BRICS mechanism has become a key platform for promoting cooperation among the Global South and an important force driving the reform of the global governance system, with growing representation, influence and appeal. For now, the expansion of BRICS mainly includes emerging markets and developing countries.

The significance for BRICS members is threefold.

Firstly, the mechanism has enhanced economic and political cooperation among the Global South. It has also amplified their voices in international affairs of the developing countries.

Secondly, this mechanism has strengthened multilateralism. The establishment of the New Development Bank and other institutions provided an alternative in global finance and advanced the global governance reform.

Thirdly, this mechanism has also helped countries develop their economies, and through cooperation projects, BRICS members are advancing infrastructure development and driving economic growth.

In essence, BRICS is a unique platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries in the Global South. It plays a vital role in fostering a community with a shared future for mankind.

Source: NewsVoice