Advertisement
As Europe reels from Donald Trump threat, Ukraine and Middle East, Wang Yi heads to Munich meeting
- China’s top diplomat will try to find openings for Beijing’s interests amid continent’s panic over ex-American leader’s possible return, analysts say
- Asian giant to share views on European security and future of transatlantic partnership amid more tenuous EU unity
Reading Time:5 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
23
Finbarr Berminghamin Munich
A year ago, Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, stopped off in Munich in what was billed as a “European charm offensive”, to be rounded off with a trip to Moscow.
Advertisement
At an annual security conference in the Bavarian city, Wang launched a thinly veiled rebuke of the United States for its stance on the Ukraine war.
“Some forces might not want to see peace talks materialise,” the Chinese foreign minister said, adding that “they don’t care about the life and death of Ukrainians, the harms on Europe … they might have strategic goals larger than Ukraine itself”.
On Friday, as Wang touches down in Munich to speak at the same forum, observers anticipate Washington will be the elephant in the room again.
The US State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken would meet Wang at the conference on Friday.
During a speech at lunchtime on Saturday and at bilateral meetings with Western officials, Wang is expected to pitch Beijing as a responsible global player, as large parts of Europe recoil at the potential return of former US president Donald Trump to the White House.
Advertisement
Advertisement