IRIA News

President of Poland Andrzej Duda traveled to China to meet President Xi Jinping. During his visit, Duda discussed the Ukraine war, peace efforts, and the possibility of expanding bilateral trade during his visit to Beijing. This visit brought the head of state of a NATO member and staunch supporter of Ukraine with China, a close ally of Russia.

During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, complete with a full honor guard and a 21-gun salute, Duda emphasized that relations between Poland and China remain robust. Xi echoed this sentiment, noting that their relations have remained friendly and have seen steady development over the past 75 years, continually revitalizing the traditional friendship between the two nations.

“Over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations have maintained steady development, constantly injecting new vitality into the traditional friendship between the two countries,” Xi said after the two leaders met in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi noted that “great changes are unfolding globally in an unprecedented way” and said, “China is ready to work with Poland to adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic ties, continue the traditional friendship, push bilateral relations to a higher level, and inject more stability and certainty into the turbulent world”.

“The two sides should continue to adhere to the China-Poland friendship featuring mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and mutual learning, understand and support each other’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, jointly oppose the Cold War mentality and camp confrontation, safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, and promote an equal and orderly global multi-polarization and an economic globalization that benefits all,” Xi said.

Duda expressed Poland’s desire for closer commercial ties with China, particularly through Xi’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” which aims to build transport connections and infrastructure between China, Europe, Southeast Asia, and other regions.

This initiative responds to China’s need to address overcapacity in its manufacturing industries, find new foreign markets, and expand its political and economic influence to counter the U.S.-led liberal order. Poland, in turn, is looking to secure new markets for its agricultural products, including poultry, and Duda shared with Polish media that the talks have paved the way for increased exports to China.

The discussions lasted four hours, with nearly one hour dedicated to a one-on-one conversation between Duda and Xi. The Polish leader was also focused on securing a visa waiver for Polish tourists and business people to increase exports to China and balance their trade relations. According to State Statistics Poland, 13.9% of Poland’s imports last year came from China, while Polish exports to China were significantly lower.

Xi told the Polish president that China welcomes more high-quality agricultural and food products from Poland into the Chinese market, supports the expansion of two-way investment, and hopes Poland will provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.

China’s peace efforts

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine was a significant topic during the discussions. Duda detailed Poland’s perspective on the conflict, the migration pressure Russia and its ally Belarus exert on Poland’s borders, European security, and the necessity of peace. He felt confident that Poland’s views were heard.

Duda recounted that Xi repeatedly emphasized China’s desire for peace and development. He expressed hope that China would support a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine, consistent with international law, highlighting Poland’s stance against changing borders by force.

Poland, which borders Ukraine and Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, has taken a firm stance against further Russian aggression. However, the prolonged conflict has raised concerns about maintaining Europe’s economic health and democratic institutions, especially as right-wing politicians gain ground in European elections.

Following the meeting between Duda and Xi, several trade agreements were signed, including those related to Polish agricultural exports and educational exchanges. Duda’s visit to Beijing will continue with further meetings, and he will also travel to Shanghai to attend a Poland-China economic forum.