China announced plans to implement visa-free travel for Swedish nationals during a high-level meeting in Beijing, signaling efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and foster EU-China collaboration. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the move as part of broader cooperation during talks with Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, marking the first visit by a Swedish foreign minister to China in 16 years.
Wang, a member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee's Political Bureau, highlighted Sweden's historical significance as the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1950. He urged both nations to leverage their 75th anniversary of ties to deepen economic collaboration in trade, green technology, and digital innovation while maintaining 'independent strategic thinking.'
Stenergard welcomed the visa-free policy, predicting it would 'encourage more Swedish people to travel to China' and strengthen cultural exchanges. She reaffirmed Sweden's adherence to the one-China policy and expressed willingness to expand cooperation in climate action, education, and sustainable development.
The discussions also touched on multilateral coordination, with both ministers addressing the Ukraine crisis and climate change. Sweden praised China's recent climate commitments, including updated Nationally Determined Contributions, while advocating for enhanced global trade dialogue.
