China distances itself from of Russia the condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine is another alarming signal, underlined the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the annual report on the activities carried out and planned in the foreign policy of the country and in the affairs of the European Union (EU) Edgars Rinkevics (JV).
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He stated it China is increasingly seeking to strengthen its global economic and political influence by, inter alia, offering an alternative point of view and promoting initiatives concerning multilateralism, respect for democratic norms, global development and security policy, criticizing the at the same time the position of the West on the basis of universal values.
The minister stressed that China continues to show strength in the South China Sea region, especially towards Taiwan, thus creating risks for stability in the region. On the other hand, authoritarian tendencies, including systematic human rights violations, are growing in Chinese domestic politics, especially in Xinjiang.
According to Rinkēvičs, in this situation, Latvia considers it important to continue the EU’s multi-level approach to China as a cooperation partner, economic competitor and systemic rival. Furthermore, according to the minister, it is necessary to continue to invite China to take a more decisive and responsible position towards the war launched by Russia.
In the report, the Foreign Minister explained that it is particularly important to intentionally defend the EU’s economic interests and gain equal access to the Chinese market, as well as to oppose China’s practice of using economic pressure as a political tool against individual members of the EU states, thus influencing the EU.
Rinkēvičs stressed that Latvia supports the need to implement constructive relations with China, especially to overcome global challenges such as climate change, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, as well as promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region, while being aware that the value the gap in EU-China relations continues to widen.
According to the minister, Latvia is together with its allies BORN will evaluate China’s influence on international security and the development of China’s strategic partnership with Russia.
Rinkēvičs noted that Latvia has stopped participating in the “16+1” cooperation format between China and Central and Eastern European countries, as it does not match Latvia’s strategic positions. At the same time, according to the minister, Latvia is ready to build constructive and open relations with China, evaluating opportunities to develop cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit, not hesitating to talk about issues where the positions are fundamentally different.
