On June 24, 2024, Polish President Andrzej Duda met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and discussed Ukraine, peace and trade. This meeting is important because Poland, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), plays a critical role in the Russia-Ukraine War. The meeting took place in the great hall of the people, accompanied by a full guard of honor and 21 armed salutes. During the talks, Xi stated that diplomatic relations with Poland are developing steadily and the long-standing friendship between the two countries has gained new momentum.
Poland’s strategy towards China has been shaped by the desire to increase trade and investment cooperation. Considering China’s economic power and rising political image in the last decade, Poland has joined the 16+1 cooperation format and approved the Belt and Road Initiative. China’s foreign direct investment in Poland amounted to 1.4 billion euros between 2000 and 2019.[1]
Poland, on the other hand, has not shown a significant change in its relations with China, although it has adopted an approach that reflects the international atmosphere after 2008. China’s continuation of its relations with Russia despite the war in Ukraine has caused the Western World to change its attitude towards China. Despite this, Poland did not make any changes in its relations with China and the existing cooperation continued uninterruptedly.
Xi stated that his country remains committed to the five principles of peaceful coexistence with Poland and is ready to work to take bilateral relations to a higher level. The Chinese leader stressed that the two countries should maintain their friendship on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. In addition, Xi stated that mechanisms such as the China-Poland Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee should be well utilized to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to strengthen strategic coordination and enhance cooperation, advance cooperation on major projects such as the China-Europe Railway Express, and strengthen cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, digital economy, green industry, and clean energy. Duda, on the other hand, stated that Xi’s visit in 2016 was an important step in the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries.[2]
Poland appreciates China’s contributions to the principles of international relations and world peace, and emphasizes its commitment to the One China principle. However, it hopes to establish closer trade relations with China. This shows, in particular, Poland’s intention to participate in transport links and infrastructure projects built under the “Belt and Road Initiative”. In this context, it is also stated that Poland is in search of a foreign market as an alternative to the Western-led liberal order and that Beijing needs to expand its political and economic influence.
At the same time, Poland is keen to play a role in the development of EU-China relations and the advancement of cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries and China, as it will assume the rotating presidency of the EU in the first half of next year.
It is noted that last year, Poland’s imports from China were 13.9%, but exports to China were very low. After the meeting, Duda stated in his statement that they would provide more export opportunities to China. As Poland continued to seek visa exemption for Polish tourists and businessmen in order to balance its trade relations, Xi promised a visa exemption for Poles traveling to China for up to 15 days and stated that Duda was “very pleased” with this decision. Following the meeting between the two leaders, various trade agreements were signed.[3]
Duda stated in detail that the Russia-Ukraine War was also on the agenda during the talks and Poland’s point of view on this issue, the migration pressure exerted by Russia and Belarus on the Polish border, Europe’s security and views on the need. Xi, on the other hand, repeatedly emphasized during the meeting that China wants peaceful development.
Xi emphasized that China supports peace talks and a political solution to the Ukraine Crisis. While stating that it is necessary to prevent the escalation of the conflict and to create conditions for peace talks, he also opposed the pretexts used to restrict trade with Russia and expressed his support for all efforts that would contribute to the peaceful resolution of the crisis. China has also expressed its willingness to continue to play a constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukraine Crisis.[4]
It can be said that China, as a rising superpower and permanent member of the UN Security Council, supports the peaceful end of the war in accordance with the principles of international law.
Poland borders Ukraine and the Kaliningrad region of Russia and maintains a resolute stance against Russian aggression. However, the fact that right-wing politicians made great gains in the European Parliament elections has also raised concerns about Europe’s economic health and how to protect its democratic institutions.
As a result, China and Poland want to strengthen their diplomatic relations as well as maintain trade and investment cooperation. Poland appreciates China’s contributions in international affairs and seeks to establish closer trade relations. It is also keen to contribute to the development of EU-China relations, as Poland will assume the rotating presidency of the EU next year.
[1] “Beyond business as usual: a Chinese strategy for Poland”, European Council On Foreign Relations, https://ecfr.eu/article/beyond-business-as-usual-a-china-strategy-for-poland/, (Access Date:25.06.2024).
[2] “China ready to take relations with Poland to a higher level: Xi”, The State Council The People’s Republic Of China, https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202406/25/content_WS6679fce6c6d0868f4e8e87d5.html, (Access Date 25.06.2024).
[3] “The president of NATO member Poland visited China in the hope of meeting with Xi about Ukraine”, The Washington Times, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jun/24/nato-member-polands-president-visits-china-expecti/, (Access Date:25.06.2024).
[4] “China ready to take relations with Poland to a higher level: Xi”, The State Council The People’s Rebuplic Of China, https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202406/25/content_WS6679fce6c6d0868f4e8e87d5.html, (Access Date 25.06.2024).
