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5.2
The Government will strive to ensure that the EU and likeminded countries cooperate and act together on the security and
defence challenges that China’s increased global influence
entails. This is particularly relevant to transatlantic cooperation.
The Government will engage with the Chinese defence forces
within the framework of UN peacekeeping operations and
otherwise maintain military contacts that lie within the
boundaries set by the EU arms embargo and other regulations,
and that are in Sweden’s interests.
The Government and relevant agencies need to lift knowledge
and enhance the analysis of China from the perspective of
European and transatlantic security. This also applies to China’s
geopolitical goals, including the influence China is establishing
through the BRI. Deepening military cooperation between China
and Russia requires increased attention, especially in Sweden’s
neighbourhood, including the Arctic.
Trade and economics
China is increasingly important for Sweden’s growth and Swedish jobs.
The Government intends to develop Sweden’s economic ties with China,
including through increased exports and investment. The Government will
continue to engage in dialogue with China about modernising the
multilateral trade system; it will do so with a view to protecting free trade
and in light of China’s actions that challenge the trade system on which
Swedish exports are dependent.
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The Government will be a driving force for ambitious EU
negotiations of agreements that facilitate trade and secure market
access and a level playing field for Swedish companies.
Intellectual property rights violations, forced technology
transfers, WTO-incompatible state subsidies and other unfair
practices need to be addressed.
The Government will push for the EU to involve China in
reforming the WTO. China’s use of special and differential
treatment in the WTO needs to align with the country’s level of
development.
Business and trade promotion, and the promotion of Sweden in
China must be developed in cooperation with the business
community and other relevant actors, including Team Sweden
China, and in accordance with the Government’s new export
strategy. Sustainability, innovation and CSR are important areas
of cooperation. In the bilateral dialogue, the Government will
highlight the trade barriers Swedish companies face in China.
Individual companies can find themselves in situations where
political tensions impact their operations; this calls for increased
state support in the dialogue with Chinese representatives.
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