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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has embarked on a significant diplomatic tour across Europe, aiming to strengthen China’s ties with key European nations and articulate its stance on pressing global issues. From February 12 to 17, 2025, Wang Yi’s itinerary included visits to the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ireland.

Responding to an invitation from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Wang Yi arrived in the UK to meet the British leadership. The primary agenda of the meetings was the revival of the China-UK Strategic Dialogue, a bilateral forum that had been dormant since 2018 due to strained relations. The dialogue’s resurgence signifies a mutual desire to stabilize and enhance bilateral ties.

During their meeting at Lammy’s official residence, Wang Yi expressed optimism about the dialogue’s potential impact, “After seven years, I’m sure that this will be conducive to the study, improvement, and stabilization and development of our relations.”

He further emphasized the importance of implementing the consensus reached by both nations’ leaders: “I hope that through this dialogue, we can deliver on the important common understandings between our two leaders.”

The United Kingdom’s Labour government, elected in July 2024, has shown a commitment to mending ties with Beijing. Relations had deteriorated over issues such as China’s policies in Hong Kong, allegations of espionage, and its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. A notable thaw occurred when Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in November 2024, the first such meeting between the two nations’ leaders since 2018.

Finance Minister Rachel Reeves’ visit to China in January 2025, aimed at attracting investment to bolster the UK’s economy, further exemplifies this rapprochement. Lammy’s visit to Beijing in October 2024 also underscored the mutual interest in revitalizing diplomatic channels.

However, challenges persist as the UK government is poised to decide on Beijing’s proposal to establish a new, larger embassy in London. The plan has faced opposition due to concerns over potential espionage and political interference. Lammy acknowledged the complexities, stating the necessity for “robust but constructive discussion” between the two nations.

Engagement at the Munich Security Conference

Following his UK visit, Wang Yi attended the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany from February 14 to 16, 2025. The MSC serves as a pivotal platform for global leaders to deliberate on international security challenges. Wang Yi’s participation underscored China’s commitment to engaging in global security dialogues.

In a session titled “China in the World,” Wang Yi articulated China’s perspectives on major international issues, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to multilateralism and global governance. He highlighted China’s role as a stabilizing force, stating that the country has been actively involved in enhancing global governance and contributing to international peacekeeping efforts.

Wang Yi also reiterated China’s stance on the Ukraine crisis, advocating for dialogue and political solutions, and emphasizing that China’s economic and trade relations with Russia are normal exchanges between sovereign nations.

The conference also provided a venue for bilateral discussions. Notably, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing their talks as “fruitful” and centered on achieving lasting peace and security guarantees for Ukraine. These discussions occurred against the backdrop of ongoing debates about the role of European nations in the peace process and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy decisions.

China calls all stakeholders to join Ukraine peace talks

China calls for all stakeholders in the Ukraine war to be involved in peace talks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at the Munich Security Conference on Friday. “We hope that all parties and stakeholders directly involved participate in the peace talks in due course,” Wang stated. He added that China supports all peace efforts, including any U.S.-Russia consensus on negotiations.

Wang emphasized Europe’s role, saying, “As the war is taking place on European soil, it is all the more necessary for Europe to play its part for peace, to jointly address the root causes of the crisis, to find a balanced, effective and sustainable security framework, and to achieve long-term peace and stability in Europe.” He also expressed China’s readiness to strengthen strategic communication with the European Union to promote global stability.

Strengthening ties with Ireland

Concluding his European tour, Wang Yi arrived in Ireland, marking a significant step in Sino-Irish relations. This visit, following his engagements in the UK and Germany, underscores China’s intent to deepen its connections with Ireland and, by extension, the European Union.

Despite its modest size with a population of just over 5 million, Ireland is taking on a significant role in the diplomatic itinerary of China’s top leadership. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to arrive in Dublin on Sunday, where he will meet with his Irish counterpart Simon Harris and Prime Minister Micheal Martin on Monday.

Wang Yi urges equality and cooperation in his speech at Munich Security Conference

At the 61st Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a keynote speech outlining China’s vision for a multipolar world. Emphasizing equality, respect for international law, multilateralism, and openness, Wang affirmed China’s commitment to being a “steadfast constructive force” in global affairs. He also highlighted Europe’s role as a key partner in this vision, marking the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations.

Key Takeaways from Wang Yi’s speech:

1. Advocating Equal Treatment: Wang emphasized the importance of equal rights and opportunities for all nations, regardless of size. He called for increased representation of developing countries in the international system and supported a multipolar world that fosters cooperation rather than domination.
2. Respecting International Law: Wang stressed that a multipolar world must adhere to international norms, referencing the U.N. Charter as a cornerstone for global governance. He reiterated China’s commitment to international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while opposing double standards.
3. Promoting Multilateralism: Wang highlighted China’s dedication to multilateralism, advocating for global cooperation through the U.N. and other international frameworks. He also emphasized China’s contributions to the U.N., climate action, and global development initiatives.
4. Pursuing Openness and Mutual Benefit: Wang rejected protectionism and economic decoupling, advocating for open cooperation and economic globalization. He emphasized China’s role as a key driver of global economic growth and its commitment to shared development opportunities with all nations.
5. China-EU Relations: Wang underscored the importance of China-EU cooperation, particularly in the context of the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, and expressed China’s willingness to strengthen strategic communication with Europe to foster global peace, security, and prosperity.

China seeks stronger ties with Germany and the EU

At the Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Germany and the European Union, emphasizing free trade and multilateralism. Wang conveyed to Chancellor Olaf Scholz China’s willingness to deepen “all-round cooperation” for global peace and stability, highlighting Germany’s role as a key partner in these efforts.

Wang also discussed trade relations, praising Germany’s “rational and pragmatic” stance on EU tariffs against China-made electric vehicles. He urged Germany to continue its constructive role in resolving trade frictions with the EU. The two officials also addressed the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Wang affirming China’s willingness to engage in peace talks and support a “balanced, effective, and sustainable” European security framework. Wang emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to uphold free trade, multilateralism, and the UN’s authority.

Chinese FM Wang Yi met separately with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, FM Annalena Baerbock, and CDU Chair Friedrich Merz.

Facing the current rise of protectionism, resurgence of Cold War mentality and rampant unilateral bullying, China is willing to strengthen communication and… pic.twitter.com/1jWNQuV8iL

— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) February 16, 2025

Additionally, Wang met with Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union and candidate for Germany’s next chancellor, to further discuss cooperation between China and Germany.

Broader global engagements

Wang Yi’s European tour reflects China’s strategic approach to fortifying relationships with key European nations amidst a complex global landscape. By engaging in candid dialogues, participating in international security forums, and fostering bilateral ties, China aims to position itself as a proactive and cooperative global player.

Following his European engagements, Wang Yi is scheduled to chair a high-level U.N. Security Council event in New York on February 18, focusing on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance.” Subsequently, he will attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, from February 20 to 21, further extending China’s diplomatic outreach to the Global South.

These successive diplomatic endeavors underscore China’s commitment to multilateralism and its proactive role in addressing global challenges through dialogue and cooperation.

At #MSC2025 — 🇨🇳 Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi on the international order pic.twitter.com/Sc2zHtTpHt

— Munich Security Conference (@MunSecConf) February 14, 2025