Sweden and China renew diplomatic engagement to improve bilateral ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Stockholm on Saturday for talks with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. 

The two countries agreed to establish a framework for regular political consultations as they seek to improve bilateral relations after years of strained ties.

"We have now agreed with China to raise our relationship to the level where we have regular political consultations," Stenergard told CGTN. "It means we have an established framework for meeting regularly, and we welcome that since China is such an important player."

Renewed high-level contacts

The visit was the first by a Chinese foreign minister to Sweden in more than two decades. It comes at a sensitive moment in relations between Europe and China - with trade, economic cooperation and security high on the agenda.

The two foreign ministers held discussions during a boat tour through Stockholm harbor, an unusual but symbolic setting that underscored renewed diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The agreement builds on renewed high-level contacts over the past year. 

Stenergard traveled to Beijing in 2025 as Sweden and China marked 75 years of diplomatic relations, while China later introduced visa-free travel for Swedish citizens.

Emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue, Stenergard said closer engagement would benefit both countries.

"Bringing us closer through a closer dialogue is extremely important in order to influence another and to develop cooperation in areas such as the green transition," she said. "Being able to meet regularly and discuss matters with such an influential actor is important for Sweden and for Swedish interests, not least our Swedish companies."

One-China principle

Wang Yi said both sides should maintain an objective and rational perception of each other, uphold mutual respect and pursue mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. 

He added that bilateral relations have regained momentum since Stenergard's visit to China last year and called on both countries to preserve that positive trend.

Wang also said China welcomed greater Swedish business engagement, noting that more than 10,000 Swedish companies currently trade with China. He expressed hope that Sweden would continue to adhere to the one-China principle and strengthen the political foundation of bilateral ties.

The visit comes as the EU and China continue discussions over trade imbalances and amid growing European concerns about the impact of Chinese exports on domestic industries. 

Against that backdrop, Sweden's renewed dialogue with Beijing is being closely watched as an indication of how the Nordic country may balance support for the EU's tougher China policy with its longstanding commitment to open trade.