China's Support for Russia Damages Reputation; Danish Foreign Minister: Wang Yi to Receive Sanctions Warning on Nordic Trip

(Central News Agency Correspondent Gu Yonglai Stockholm July 3) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting the Nordic countries, and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has stated directly that China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine is damaging its reputation in Europe and affecting China's interests. The European Union is already discussing sanctions against China, and it is necessary for Wang Yi to continuously hear this message during his Nordic trip.

Wang Yi is visiting Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway from July 2 to 8. This is Wang Yi's second visit to Europe this year and the first time in 15 years that a Chinese foreign minister has revisited Denmark.

Rasmussen held a small press conference before Wang Yi's arrival, telling media including the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) and TV 2 Denmark that China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war is a major concern for Denmark. He will express Denmark's concerns to Wang Yi during their meeting.

He said the two main focuses of this meeting include China's provision of equipment and training for Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war, and China's trade imbalance with the EU.

Rasmussen stated that the EU is already discussing imposing sanctions on China due to its support for Russia in the Ukraine war. He said that supporting Russia damages China's reputation in Europe and harms China's own interests.

He also said that although Denmark's trade with China is relatively balanced, the current severe trade deficit imbalance between the EU and China will also be a key discussion point.

According to an analysis by the Danish newspaper Politiken, Rasmussen's remarks reflect the growing frustration within the EU regarding the trade imbalance with China. In the EU's view, China is not engaging in equivalent trade.

Politiken commented that although EU countries have a consensus on adopting a tougher tone and attitude towards China, it remains to be seen whether individual countries are prepared to take corresponding measures. If the EU were to impose sanctions, based on U.S. President Trump's tariff war with China, China would likely retaliate.

According to Politiken's analysis, Wang Yi should observe the strength of Rasmussen's stance during this meeting to gauge how serious the EU is. This also makes it particularly important whether Wang Yi hears the same message during his visits to other Nordic countries. (Editor: Tang Peijun) 1150703

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