Bridging Cultures: Støre’s Diplomatic Journey to Beijing

– We must not become hysterical, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) to NTB ahead of his visit to China.

The Prime Minister has been asked whether he would get into a Chinese electric car.

– I have not been advised not to do it. When I drive privately, I drive a German electric car. But I have no fear of sitting in a Chinese electric car.

– But there are many who talk about the cars being bugged?

– Yes, that is the age we are in. There are many warnings and speculations. Each of us must take responsibility. But we also have authorities who are supposed to monitor this, and who give us advice on what we should and shouldn’t do. And there has been no advice until now that says we cannot get into a Chinese electric car, says Støre.

– Must find the balance

On Sunday he will travel to China to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

Norwegian trade with China is flourishing after we came out of the diplomatic freezer in 2017, but at the same time PST has designated China and Russia as the biggest security threats to Norway.

– We must manage to find the balance. We must have cooperation with China, trade with China, but also areas where we do not cooperate. And we have to be vigilant, says Støre, who will visit both Beijing and Shanghai on the three-day trip.

Ukraine warning to Xi

The program includes a meeting with China’s powerful president, Xi Jinping.

– What are you going to say to Xi?

– That we want cooperation, trade, exchange, and joint efforts in areas such as climate, artificial intelligence, global and major issues. And then I am busy talking about Ukraine.

On the Ukraine issue, Støre gives a clear warning to the Chinese president:

– China must be aware that Europe is following along. A great effort is needed to bring that war to an end. And if we see examples of China causing that war to be prolonged through direct and indirect support for Russia’s warfare, then it will have huge consequences for China’s interests in Europe.

The Prime Minister confirms that he will also address the human rights situation.

– It is always part of the dialogue we have with China.

Wrote China assignment

An enormous amount has happened since Støre took his master’s degree in 1979 and wrote a thesis called “China after Mao”, three years after the communist leader’s death.

– I have always been very interested in China as a historical and cultural power, says the Prime Minister.

Since he was in high school, China has experienced rapid economic development and lifted millions out of poverty.

At the same time, the country is increasingly making its mark internationally, and relations with the United States have soured.

– I do hope that we do not get a relationship between the US and China that is almost confrontational on autopilot. It will require something from both parties to avoid, says Støre.

– How will Norway react if the trade war between the US and China escalates?

– This is a relationship between the United States and China, as two great rival powers that are somehow competing to be leaders in the world. I believe that from the Norwegian side we should behave fairly in line with our European partners.

Will not choose hard USA line

Støre believes that the rest of Europe largely shares Norway’s view, which he summarizes as follows: “Cooperation, open dialogue, but also in some areas take clear security considerations”.

– There is no automaticity in the fact that the measures the US considers in its relationship with China will be ours. For example, we have not introduced tariffs and duties on Chinese cars in Norway.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, whom Støre met a few days ago, has been clear in his criticism of China.

– Stoltenberg has probably gone quite far in warning against China – and perhaps aligned himself more with the line of the United States?

– He is Secretary General of NATO. There he will also reflect an American view. I am the Prime Minister of Norway. And shall take as a starting point the fact that we are a NATO ally. We are a member of the EEA, closely linked with European countries. And also has a long history of cooperation with China.

– Are Norway and China friends?

– Yes, I would say that. We are friends who can also talk about what we disagree on. We have a respectful relationship.

How is ⁢Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr⁣ Støre addressing security concerns while fostering trade relations with ‍China?

Norway’s ⁤Prime ⁤Minister⁢ Jonas Gahr ‍Støre: Balancing ⁣Diplomacy with ​China and Security Concerns

As Norway celebrates 70 years of​ diplomatic relations with China, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is set to visit Beijing⁢ and Shanghai for ⁤a three-day trip.‌ In ​an interview ahead of his visit, Støre emphasized the importance of​ finding a balance ⁣between cooperation⁢ with China and security considerations.

Cooperation and ​Security Concerns

Støre highlighted ‍the flourishing trade between Norway and China since 2017, when‍ Norway came out ⁣of the diplomatic⁤ freezer.‌ However, he also acknowledged China and Russia as ⁢the biggest security threats to Norway, as designated by PST. “We must manage to ⁣find the balance. We ‌must have cooperation with China, trade with China, but also ⁢areas ⁣where we do not cooperate. ​And ⁣we have‍ to be ​vigilant,” Støre ​said.

Ukraine Warning to Xi Jinping

During his meeting with Chinese President‍ Xi Jinping, Støre plans to address the Ukraine‌ issue, warning China that Europe ‍is closely monitoring the situation. “A great effort is needed to bring that war to ⁤an end. And ‌if we‍ see⁤ examples ​of ⁣China causing that war to be prolonged through ‌direct and ‍indirect support for Russia’s warfare,‌ then ⁣it will have huge consequences for China’s interests in Europe,” Støre emphasized.

Human Rights​ and Electric Cars

Støre also confirmed that he would address the human rights situation in China, a ⁣topic that⁣ is always ⁣part⁢ of the dialogue between ⁤Norway and China. ‍When asked about potential security⁤ concerns related to Chinese ‍electric⁣ cars, Støre expressed no fear of sitting in‌ a Chinese electric car,⁣ citing the lack of advice from authorities against doing so. However, he acknowledged ⁣the need for individuals to take responsibility and be⁤ vigilant.

Wrote China Assignment

Støre’s⁤ interest in China dates back to his master’s​ degree in 1979,⁢ when he wrote a thesis titled “China after​ Mao.” The Prime Minister has witnessed⁤ China’s ‍rapid⁢ economic‌ development and its growing international presence, including⁤ its souring ⁢relations with the United⁤ States.

Norway’s Middle Ground

Støre believes that Norway’s stance on China is shared by most European countries, which ‌prioritize cooperation, open ‌dialogue, and ⁤security considerations. He emphasized that Norway ‌would not automatically follow the US line on China, citing​ the⁤ need for a more‌ nuanced approach. “We should behave fairly in line with our European partners,” Støre said, highlighting the⁣ importance of ⁣finding a balance between cooperation and security ​concerns.

Recent Encounters

In recent days, Støre has met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who has been critical of China. Meanwhile, Jonas Gahr Støre congratulated Michel Barnier on his nomination as Prime Minister, ‌expressing his confidence in Barnier’s ability to develop relations⁢ between Norway and ‍Europe⁤ [[2]].

China ⁣Visit

Just a few days ago,​ Støre met with Xi Jinping in Beijing, discussing cooperation and​ trade between Norway and ‍China [[1]]. This recent encounter ​highlights ⁣the ongoing efforts of Norway⁢ to balance its diplomatic relations‍ with China while addressing security concerns.

Conclusion

As Norway celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations with China, Prime Minister Jonas‌ Gahr Støre’s visit to Beijing and Shanghai underscores the importance of finding a balance between cooperation and security concerns. With China’s growing international‌ presence⁢ and ⁢Norway’s strategic location, the country‍ must navigate its relationships with both China and the ‌United States while prioritizing its own security and economic interests.

References:

[1]

<a href="https://twitter.com/jonasgahrstore?refsrc=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor”>[2]

<a href="https://www.mfa.gov.cn/fra/wjdt/wjhd/202305/t2023051411077305.html”>[3]

Here are the PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for the title: **How is Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre Addressing Security Concerns while Fostering Trade Relations with China?**

How is Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre Addressing Security Concerns while Fostering Trade Relations with China?

Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, is set to visit China to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The trip comes at a time when Norway is keen to deepen its trade relations with China, while also addressing security concerns related to the Asian giant. In an interview ahead of his visit, Støre emphasized the need for Norway to strike a balance between cooperation and vigilance in its relations with China.

Finding the Balance

Støre acknowledged that Norway must navigate a delicate balance between fostering trade relations with China and addressing security concerns. “We must manage to find the balance. We must have cooperation with China, trade with China, but also areas where we do not cooperate. And we have to be vigilant,” he said <a href="http://no.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zjsg0/sgyw134107/202403/t20240313_11260177.htm”>[3[3]. The Prime Minister’s comments reflect Norway’s desire to engage with China on issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence, while also being mindful of China’s growing military and economic influence.

Ukraine Warning to Xi

During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Støre is expected to raise concerns about China’s role in the Ukraine conflict. The Prime Minister warned that China must be aware that Europe is watching, and that any support for Russia’s warfare in Ukraine would have significant consequences for China’s interests in Europe. This warning reflects Norway’s commitment to upholding European values and security interests in the face of growing Russian and Chinese influence.

A Historical Perspective

Støre’s interest in China dates back to his university days, when he wrote a thesis on “China after Mao”. He has witnessed China’s rapid economic development and its emergence as a major global power. The Prime Minister is keenly aware of the need for Norway to engage with China in a way that reflects its values and interests, while also acknowledging the complexities of the China-US relationship.

A European Approach

Støre’s approach to China is closely aligned with that of other European countries, which are seeking to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by China’s rise. Norway is not alone in its desire to engage with China on issues such as trade, climate change, and security, while also maintaining a cautious approach to China’s growing influence. As Støre noted, “There is no automaticity in the fact that the measures the US considers in its relationship with China will be ours” [2[2].

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is taking a measured approach to China, seeking to strike a balance between cooperation and vigilance. As Norway celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations with China, Støre’s visit marks an important milestone in the country’s efforts to engage with China while upholding its values and security interests.