5.4 China as a multilateral actor China is an active and influential multilateral actor and an indispensable partner in the response to global challenges. At the same time, China often acts in a non-transparent manner and in certain areas strives to introduce norms and values that risk undermining the rules-based international order. China’s approach to international law is selective. • • • • 5.5 The Government will help ensure that China – as far as possible and where appropriate – engages in multilateral and plurilateral cooperation. Sweden, primarily through the EU and in collaboration with likeminded partners, will demand of China that it abide by its international law obligations and that it take responsibility for rules-based multilateral cooperation and action in accordance with international law. The Government will safeguard the accepted norms and values of the rules-based international order. The Government will work to ensure that dialogue and practical cooperation between Sweden and China on UN issues are expanded and deepened within areas that offer conditions for forward-looking cooperation. Possible issues include peacebuilding, peacekeeping, gender equality efforts, development financing, UN reforms, the 2030 Agenda, and climate and security. The Government will also seek dialogue in areas where Sweden and China hold different positions. As a starting point, China should no longer be considered a developing country. Given its level of development, the country should reduce its role as a borrower from the development banks for the benefit of poorer countries, and be encouraged to make greater financial contributions to both multilateral development banks and the UN system. Human rights The Swedish Government’s report on human rights, democracy and the rule of law in China, published in June 2019, confirms that the civil and political rights situation is serious. • • • In interactions with Chinese government representatives, the Government will raise the issue of the serious human rights situation in China in a clear and consistent manner. The Government will continue to work for a strong and common EU approach, as the most effective instrument in the dialogue with China. The Government supports the regular dialogue on human rights that the EU holds with China. The Government – in cooperation with the EU and like-minded partners – will work to ensure that the human rights situation in 17