Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in Oslo on Monday to discuss climate cooperation and the war in Ukraine. During the meeting, Eide characterized the Norway-China relationship as an “all-weather relationship” while urging China to pressure Russia to enter unconditional peace negotiations.
What was discussed during the meeting in Oslo?
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide reported that Norway and China maintain cooperation on several key themes, including climate, nature, green development, and the ocean. He described the current atmosphere of the bilateral relationship as having “both sunshine and tailwinds.”
The conflict in Ukraine served as a primary topic of discussion. Eide stated that Norway has urged China to work toward ending the war by encouraging Russia to come to the negotiating table without conditions. An intelligence report indicates that China is playing an increasingly significant role in realizing Russia’s warfare in Ukraine.
Who is Wang Yi?
Wang Yi, 72, is a high-ranking Chinese official ranked among the 24 most powerful men in China and the Communist Party. He previously served as foreign minister from 2013 to 2022 and was reappointed to the position following the removal of his successor, Qin Gang.
Wang’s visit to Oslo is part of a week-long tour of Nordic countries, including Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. This diplomatic movement follows a period where Wang prioritized travel to BRICS nations and African countries such as Chad, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
Wang Yi is ranked as one of the 24 most powerful men in China and the Communist Party, which is rare for a Chinese foreign minister.
Why has the Norway-China relationship been complicated?
While Eide described the current bond as “all-weather,” the historical relationship between the two nations has faced significant disruptions. In 2010, China froze diplomatic ties with Norway in response to the Nobel Committee awarding the Peace Prize to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo.
Relations were formally normalized in 2016 and 2017 following visits by Norwegian officials to Beijing. Despite this normalization, a free trade agreement between Norway and China, which began negotiations in 2008, has not yet been finalized 18 years later.
The use of the term “all-weather relationship” by Eide suggests an attempt to maintain functional cooperation on environmental and maritime issues despite deep geopolitical friction regarding Ukraine and human rights.
How did protesters respond to the visit?
The meeting was met with demonstrations from outside the venue. Members of the Norwegian Uighur Committee, the Norwegian Tibet Committee, and Falun Gong gathered to protest Chinese government actions, with some demonstrators calling China a “dictatorship.”
When questioned about human rights during a press briefing, Eide stated that Norway addresses issues concerning the Uighurs, Tibet, and Hong Kong through “respectful dialogue.” He emphasized that Norway highlights common obligations through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Norway request from China regarding the war in Ukraine?
Norway has urged China to encourage Russia to come to the negotiating table without conditions to end the conflict.
Why were diplomatic ties between Norway and China frozen in 2010?
China froze ties in response to the Nobel Committee awarding the Peace Prize to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo.
On what topics do Norway and China currently cooperate?
The two nations cooperate on themes including climate, nature, the ocean, and green development.
How might China’s response to the Nordic request regarding Ukraine affect future bilateral cooperation?