China in Europe: December 2024
Baerbock in Beijing: On December 2, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Beijing and delivered an unusually blunt rebuke to China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. “Putin’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine is a very direct threat to our peace,” Baerbock said ahead of her trip. “We cannot simply leave that aside in our relations with China.” In her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Baerbock raised concerns over Chinese-made drones or drone components used by Russian forces, and condemned Beijing’s tacit acceptance of North Korean soldiers reportedly present in Ukraine. She warned that such actions “violate our basic European security interests.” Baerbock further emphasized Germany’s dual approach to China: “Cooperation where possible, autonomy where necessary.” The German foreign minister also addressed the ongoing EU investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. While Germany has opposed countervailing duties out of concern for its automakers, Baerbock urged China to “engage constructively” in discussions with Brussels. Wang responded by accusing the EU of violating the principles of “fair competition and free trade” with its proposed tariffs.
French Advisor in China: On December 14, French diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne traveled to Beijing for the twenty-sixth China-France Strategic Dialogue. At the opening, Wang emphasized the importance of China–France ties as a “driving force for the development of China-Europe relations promotion of world peace and stability.” He proposed four pillars for deepening cooperation: adhering to the consensus of both heads of state, fostering pragmatic cooperation in emerging industries, boosting cultural exchanges, and jointly defending multilateralism. Amid rising China-EU trade tensions, Wang warned that a trade war with the EU would be a “lose-lose” situation and urged continued dialogue.
December Sanctions Package: On December 16, the EU adopted its fifteenth sanctions package against Russia, which for the second time included Chinese entities. Seven Chinese companies and one individual were sanctioned for aiding Russia’s war efforts, alongside a crackdown on its so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers. The package blacklisted fifty-two vessels accused of circumventing sanctions to transport Russian oil and arms, raising the total number of ships sanctioned to seventy-nine. EU officials reiterated that those measures were part of broader efforts to cut off illicit supply chains supporting Russia.
Baltic Investigation: Suspicions of Chinese involvement in a sabotage operation in the Baltic Sea intensified in December after two undersea telecom cables were severed in Swedish waters in mid-November. Attention quickly turned to the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, which sailed over the cables during the time of the incident. After weeks of diplomatic stalemate, Denmark brokered an agreement allowing joint European access to the vessel for investigation. On December 19, representatives from Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Sweden boarded the ship with Chinese investigators present. Swedish police stated they participated as observers while the ship was anchored in the Kattegat Strait. Chinese authorities cooperated nominally, insisting they had “notified all relevant countries in advance” and were willing to continue the investigation “under the principles of openness, cooperation, professionalism and objectivity.” Sweden expressed skepticism, alleging a lack of transparency despite China’s assertions to the contrary.
China-Lithuania Tensions: China escalated diplomatic tensions with Lithuania after the Lithuanian government expelled three Chinese diplomats at the end of November without giving a specific reason. Beijing’s response, delivered by Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, was swift and severe: “China strongly condemns and firmly rejects this wanton and provocative action.” China’s anger stems from Lithuania’s decision in 2021 to allow Taiwan to open a representative office under the name “Taiwan.” Lin warned that China could retaliate, though he also expressed hope that the new Lithuanian government would normalize ties. In response, top Lithuanian officials, including National Security Advisor Kęstutis Budrys and incoming Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, said the onus for repairing relations lies with China. Budrys declared, “The ball is not in our court,” while Paluckas said his government would not beg for rapprochement but acknowledged that allowing Taiwan to rename its office was “a grave diplomatic mistake.” Taiwan has indicated it will not oppose Lithuania’s efforts to restore relations with China.
