China, Nordic nations reaffirm cooperation

China and four major Nordic countries — Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway — have agreed that China and Europe should foster a correct perception of each other, keep dialogue and cooperation at the forefront of their ties, and properly manage differences, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks after Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded a six-day visit to the four countries on Tuesday, his second trip to Europe this year amid mounting challenges in China-Europe relations.

Mao reiterated China's position that China-Europe economic and trade ties should be viewed in a more comprehensive, objective and positive light, calling on both sides to maintain and expand two-way opening-up and promote more balanced development. She said the European side should recognize the need to enhance its own competitiveness.

The four countries welcomed more constructive China-Europe economic and trade dialogue and supported efforts to properly manage trade frictions, pursue win-win solutions and achieve substantive outcomes, she added.

Wang welcomed businesses from the four countries to walk into the "fitness club" of the Chinese market, inviting them to strengthen their competitiveness while sharing opportunities created by China's vast market, complete industrial chains and diverse application scenarios, Mao said.

The four countries, meanwhile, welcomed more people-to-people exchanges with China and supported deeper cooperation in education, culture, tourism, language, scientific research, think tanks, youth, and local government exchanges, she said.

Wang's trip marked the first visit to Denmark by a Chinese foreign minister in 15 years and the first to Sweden in 22 years.

Political foundation

Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway were among the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. During Wang's visit, they reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle, helping consolidate the political foundation of bilateral ties, Mao said.

Describing the trip as one that advanced friendship, deepened mutual trust, expanded cooperation and built consensus, Mao said China and the four countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in green and low-carbon development, scientific and technological innovation, while enhancing dialogue on global AI governance.

In a world of chaos and turbulence, Wang's visit underscored the broad consensus between China and the four Nordic countries on consolidating and developing bilateral relations well to address the uncertainty of the world through the stability of the bilateral ties, she added.

zhoujin@chinadaily.com.cn