Belgian Officials Visit - What to Expect?
The diplomatic landscape between Belgium and China has recently been invigorated through high-profile visits by Belgian officials to two of China's major cities, Beijing and Shanghai. This article delves into the essence of these visits, highlighting the significance of each and exploring the broader implications for Belgium-China and EU-China relations.
Source: The Brussels Times.
Belgium PM meets with President Xi Jinping in Beijing: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
In the visit to Beijing, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring the deepening ties between Belgium and China. This meeting, occurring against the backdrop of a complex international scene, marked a significant step in the bilateral relationship that has been established for over five decades.
During their discussions, President Xi emphasized China's commitment to fostering relations with Belgium. He lauded the mutual benefits derived from their cooperation in various sectors, including transportation, logistics, and biopharmaceuticals. Xi's commendation of De Croo's stance against the decoupling of industrial and supply chains highlights a shared interest in maintaining robust economic links.
Xi's vision for the relationship extends into new realms such as green development and the digital economy. He also proposed enhanced cultural exchanges, including large-scale events and educational initiatives. The Chinese leader's call for closer collaboration within multilateral frameworks like the United Nations on issues like climate change and biodiversity protection further cements this partnership's global relevance.
For his part, De Croo reaffirmed Belgium's adherence to the one-China policy and expressed his country's eagerness to welcome Chinese enterprises. He echoed Xi's sentiment on building more "bridges" between China and Europe, a reference to a memorable analogy Xi made during a visit to Belgium a decade ago. De Croo's vision of Belgium playing a pivotal role in EU-China relations, especially during its tenure as the EU's rotating presidency, sets a positive tone for future engagements.
One of the changes that have been implemented already is the lift of the ban on importing Belgian pig meat. Last week, Belgium celebrated a significant victory as both officials secured the resumption of Belgian pork exports to China after a five-year hiatus due to the African swine fever. Agriculture Minister Clarinval anticipates positive economic impacts, emphasizing the quality reputation of Belgian pork in global markets.
Source: The Brussels Times.
Foreign PM Visits Shanghai: Fostering Economic and Cultural Ties
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib's visit to Shanghai marked a significant stride in strengthening economic and cultural connections between Belgium and China. Her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing before heading to Shanghai underscored the importance of this visit.
In Shanghai, a city renowned for its economic dynamism, Lahbib's agenda focused on reinforcing trade and business cooperation. Her visit, signaling a robust interest in strengthening economic ties, was a clear nod to the potential for growth in sectors like green development and combating climate change.
Wang Yi's remarks during their meeting in Beijing highlighted the mutual desire to deepen cooperation. He pointed out the synergies between the two economies, both committed to continued openness and collaboration. Wang Yi's emphasis on the importance of China-EU relations and the need for increased stability in the current geopolitical climate set the stage for Lahbib's engagements in Shanghai.
Lahbib's visit, particularly significant as it came during Belgium's tenure as the rotating presidency of the EU, was more than a mere diplomatic formality. It was a demonstration of Belgium's commitment to playing an active role in fostering stable and sustainable EU-China relations. The emphasis on trade, business, and cultural exchanges during her visit mirrors the broader objectives of the EU in its engagement with China.
Source: China International Import Expo.
Can we expect any more changes?
The visits by Alexander De Croo and Hadja Lahbib to Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, mark a new chapter in Belgium-China relations. These diplomatic endeavors, occurring amidst a changing global landscape, underscore Belgium's strategic role in EU-China relations. By focusing on economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and multilateral collaboration, Belgium is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Europe's relationship with China.
Besides the focus on the EU, are there also expected benefits for Belgian nationals? Currently, five countries of the European Union are enjoying the VISA exemption for China, as discussed in our article on “Visa-Free to China for Dutch Nationals: The Facts”. It is possible that this list will be extended and Belgium will be included? According to Minister Lahbib, the meeting in Shanghai and Peking was positive about the Belgian request.
"This would be a huge step forward", said Minister Lahbib during her trip to Beijing.
Source: Xinhua. CGTN. GVA.
Editor: Ditte van Dalen