Bridging Cultures: Støre’s Diplomatic Voyage to Beijing Amidst Norway-China Relations

– 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 can Norway effectively balance its ⁤economic cooperation‍ with China while addressing security concerns related to technology and geopolitical ⁣tensions?

Norway and ⁤China: Balancing Cooperation ⁢and Security Concerns

As Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre prepares to visit China, he emphasized the importance of finding a balance between cooperation and security considerations ​in the country’s relations with China. The visit marks ‍70⁢ years of diplomatic relations between Norway and China, which have ⁣significantly improved since 2017 when Norway came out of the “diplomatic freezer”⁢ [2].

Growing⁣ Economic Ties

Norway is one of China’s important trading partners in Northern Europe, and China is one of Norway’s main suppliers of fertilizer, aquatic products, and oil [3]. The ‌country has ⁣experienced rapid economic ⁣development, lifting millions out of poverty, and is increasingly making its mark internationally. Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his desire to promote‌ “friendly” cooperation with Norway, including in green energy and electric‌ vehicles ‌ [1].

Security ‍Concerns

However, Norway’s Prime Minister‍ Støre acknowledged ​that China and Russia pose the biggest security threats to ‌Norway. He emphasized the need to be ⁢vigilant and find a balance between cooperation and security considerations. Støre’s comments come against the backdrop of growing concerns about ⁣Chinese electric cars ⁢being “bugged” and the potential security risks associated with Chinese technology.

Ukraine Warning to Xi

During his visit, Støre plans to address ⁣the Ukraine issue with President Xi Jinping, warning China that Europe is closely ⁢monitoring the situation and that any ⁤indirect ‍support for Russia’s warfare would have significant consequences for China’s interests in Europe.

Human Rights and European Partnerships

Støre confirmed that he would also address the human rights situation in China during his visit. He ‍emphasized ‍the importance ⁤of cooperation, open dialogue, and clear security considerations in Norway’s approach to China, aligning‌ with the views of other European partners. Unlike the United States, Norway has not introduced tariffs and duties on Chinese cars, demonstrating a​ more nuanced approach ​to its relations with China.

A Historical Perspective

Støre’s interest in China dates back to his master’s thesis, “China after Mao,” written in 1979. ⁣He has witnessed China’s rapid economic development and growing international influence since then. As Norway navigates its relations with China, ​Støre’s historical perspective and commitment to finding a balance between cooperation and security considerations will be ​crucial in shaping the country’s approach to this​ increasingly ‍important‍ partnership.

Norway’s relations with​ China are ‌complex and multifaceted, involving both economic cooperation and security concerns. ​As the ⁤two countries mark⁤ 70 years of ‌diplomatic relations, Prime ‍Minister Støre’s visit to China provides an opportunity to re-evaluate Norway’s approach to China and ensure that it finds the right balance between cooperation and security considerations.

What strategies can Norway implement to enhance economic cooperation with China while safeguarding its national security interests regarding technology?

How Can Norway Effectively Balance Its Economic Cooperation with China while Addressing Security Concerns Related to Technology and Geopolitical Tensions?

As Norway celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is set to visit China to strengthen economic cooperation and address pressing security concerns. This milestone marks a significant turning point in the bilateral relationship, which has undergone significant developments since the establishment of diplomatic ties on October 7, 1950[[[1]].

Finding the Balance

In recent years, Norway has experienced rapid growth in trade with China, emerging from a diplomatic freeze in 2017. However, the country’s security concerns, particularly with regards to technology and geopolitical tensions, cannot be ignored. Støre emphasizes the need to find a balance between cooperation and vigilance, stating, “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.”[[[2]]

Addressing Security Concerns

One of the primary security concerns revolves around the threat posed by Chinese technology, including the use of Chinese electric cars. When asked if he would ride in a Chinese electric car, Støre responses, “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.” However, he acknowledges the need for caution, citing the importance of authorities monitoring potential security risks[[[2]].

Ukraine Warning to Xi

During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Støre will address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, urging China to play a constructive role in bringing the war to an end. He warns that any direct or indirect support for Russian warfare would have significant consequences for China’s interests in Europe[[[2]].

Norway’s Approach to the Escalating US-China Trade War

As the trade war between the US and China continues to escalate, Norway must navigate this complex geopolitical landscape. Støre emphasizes the importance of Norway maintaining a neutral stance, saying, “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 values and interests.”[[[2]]

Looking Ahead

As Norway celebrates seven decades of diplomatic relations with China, the country must continue to navigate the complexities of this relationship. By finding the balance between economic cooperation and security concerns, Norway can maintain a strong and healthy relationship with China while protecting its interests. As Støre aptly puts it, “We must not become hysterical.”[[[2]]

References:

[[[1]]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China%E2%80%93Norwayrelations

[[[2]]https://www.archyde.com/finland-and-sweden-plan-to-stay-out-of-nato/

[[[3]]http://no.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zjsg0/sgyw134107/202403/t2024031311260177.htm