Wang Yi calls for greater trust, dialogue as China and Sweden seek to reset ties

STOCKHOLM: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday called for stronger dialogue, deeper mutual understanding and the rebuilding of trust between China and Sweden, stressing that maintaining a correct perception of each other was essential as the two countries seek to overcome challenges that have affected bilateral relations in recent years.

During a meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm, Wang said China and Sweden should strengthen communication, expand cooperation and work together to place their relationship on a more stable and constructive footing.

He noted that China-Sweden relations had experienced difficulties in recent years, making it particularly important for both sides to enhance dialogue, reduce misunderstandings and rebuild mutual trust.

"Under the current circumstances, it is especially important for the two sides to strengthen dialogue, enhance mutual understanding and rebuild mutual trust," Wang said, emphasizing that a correct and objective understanding of each other's development paths and core interests remained fundamental to the healthy development of bilateral relations.

The Chinese foreign minister said China attached importance to its relationship with Sweden and was willing to work with Stockholm to expand practical cooperation, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and promote mutual benefit in areas of common interest.

Prime Minister Kristersson reaffirmed Sweden's commitment to the one-China policy, stating that Stockholm remained willing to strengthen engagement with Beijing and deepen cooperation across a range of sectors.

He said Sweden hoped to broaden consensus with China and advance mutually beneficial cooperation in fields including trade, investment, innovation, green development and technological exchange.

The Swedish premier also underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue between China and Europe, expressing support for efforts aimed at managing differences through constructive engagement.

"Sweden supports Europe and China in strengthening dialogue and properly handling differences," Kristersson said, adding that closer communication was essential for promoting stability and cooperation amid an increasingly complex international environment.

The meeting reflected ongoing efforts by both countries to stabilize and improve bilateral relations while exploring new opportunities for economic cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

Observers note that Sweden and China share significant economic ties, with cooperation spanning trade, technology, manufacturing, environmental protection and sustainable development. Both sides have recently signaled a willingness to maintain communication and seek common ground despite existing differences.

The talks also highlighted the broader importance of China-Europe engagement at a time when global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and emerging security challenges are prompting renewed calls for dialogue, cooperation and multilateral solutions.