China's Diplomatic Push in Europe: Wang Yi Calls for Objective and Accurate Perception of China

China's Foreign Policy Chief Stresses Multilateralism and Trade in Talks with NATO, EU, and Germany

At the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on February 14, 2025, Wang Yi, head of the Chinese Communist Party's Foreign Affairs Office and Foreign Minister, met with top leaders from NATO, the European Union (EU), and Germany. These meetings aimed to strengthen China’s diplomatic relations with Europe and to emphasize its role in global and regional peace.

During his meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Wang Yi highlighted the importance of NATO adopting a rational and pragmatic approach toward China. He urged the organization to establish an objective and accurate perception of China and adopt a proactive, responsible policy toward the country. Wang emphasized that China has been a significant contributor to global peacekeeping efforts, being one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping forces and the second-largest contributor to peacekeeping funding.

With tensions rising in various regions, Wang called on NATO to continue playing its role as a regional defense organization, urging it to maintain its functions while contributing to global and regional peace. Regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, Wang reaffirmed China's stance of advocating for political resolution, stating that China will continue working with all parties to promote a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security framework.

Stoltenberg responded by expressing NATO's intention to expand its dialogue with China and enhance mutual understanding and trust. He also reassured Wang that NATO had no intentions of expanding its activities into Asia.

In his discussion with Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, Wang Yi expressed China’s desire for stronger communication and coordination with Germany and other nations. He pointed out the rising protectionism, the return of Cold War-era thinking, and unilateral bullying, underscoring the need for a unified voice to maintain international peace and stability. Wang also emphasized the importance of Germany's role in the process of global multipolarization and hoped that China-Germany relations would continue to grow stronger under Germany’s new government, which will soon face a general election.

In response, Baerbock reaffirmed Germany’s opposition to tariff and trade wars, emphasizing the country’s commitment to safeguarding multilateralism and free trade alongside China.

Wang Yi’s diplomacy continued with a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. Wang highlighted the absence of fundamental disagreements between China and Europe, stating that there are no geopolitical conflicts between the two sides. He expressed hope for enhanced strategic communication with Europe to increase mutual understanding and cooperation.

Both parties emphasized their shared commitment to multilateralism, with China and the EU advocating for the United Nations' central role in global governance. Wang reiterated the importance of resolving international disputes through dialogue and negotiations and opposed unilateral coercion.

This diplomatic push marks a significant moment in China’s strategy to strengthen its global influence, particularly in Europe, where the country seeks to enhance its role in shaping global governance, multilateral trade systems, and peace initiatives.