Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi file photo:fmprc

The fourth meeting of Poland-China Intergovernmental Committee was held on Monday in Warsaw co-chaired by Radosław Sikorski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to a statement on the website of Chinese foreign ministry.  

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has already visited Austria and Slovenia before arriving in Poland, his final stop. 

The ministers had a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views on the current state of bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Recollecting last year's 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the two parties agreed that it shall constitute an impetus for further development of bilateral cooperation within the framework of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Poland. They agreed there is a need to further strengthen and expand bilateral exchanges and effective cooperation and to organize regular Intergovernmental Committee meetings.

Both parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expand exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields and at all levels on the basis of the Action Plan on Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Poland (2024-2027).

At a press briefing on September 10, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations, China-EU relations, and international and regional issues of mutual interest. Wang will lay out a master plan for exchange and cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, per the ministry.

"Through the visit, China looks forward to working with Poland to carry forward traditional friendship, enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, have closer multilateral coordination, and promote the sound and steady growth of China-Poland and China-EU relations," Lin said. 

This time, Wang focused on Central and Eastern Europe, which reflects China's commitment to advancing China-Europe relations and its responsibility to promote global peace and development. Strengthening communication with Slovenia, Austria, and Poland not only fosters bilateral cooperation but also holds significant importance for the overall development of China-Europe ties, Jiang Feng, a research fellow at Shanghai International Studies University and president of the Shanghai Association of Regional and Country Studies, told the Global Times on Monday. 

Before embarking on his trip to Poland, Wang met Marko Lotric, president of the National Council of Slovenia on Sunday. During the meeting, Wang emphasized that none of the problems currently faced by Europe is caused by China. China and Europe should see each other as partners rather than rivals, and their relationship should move forward, not backward. 

After talks with Tanja Fajon, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Slovenia on Saturday, Wang also stressed that "War cannot solve problems, and sanctions will only complicate them. China does not participate in or plan wars, and what China does is to encourage peace talks and promote political settlement of hotspot issues through dialogue."

"The recent stops to Austria and Slovenia have demonstrated to other European nations a model of mutual respect, trust, and pragmatic cooperation with China. As a major Eastern European power, Poland also holds significant political, security, and economic influence," Jiang said. 

Therefore, cooperation with Poland is crucial for guiding the overall direction of China-Europe relations, Jiang added. 

"Poland is a key transit country for the China-Europe Railway Express, and Chinese investments and trade with Poland are growing steadily, yielding substantial direct and indirect economic benefits," Jiang said. 

At the 4th meeting of Poland-China Intergovernmental Committee on Monday, the two parties exchanged views on the importance of developing effective and economically competitive Eurasian transport corridors and the pivotal role of Poland in this process.  The two sides recognized the benefits of providing mutually beneficial services for volumes of goods transported by railway, maritime and air means and of consolidating the existing and potential routes and logistical chains. Both sides expressed their willingness to ensure the safety and accessibility of the China-Europe Railway Express. Both sides acknowledged in particular the shared interest in developing direct air transport links and the balanced growth of competitive air services between Poland and China.