China
Bilateral Relations Between China and Norway: An Overview of Trade and Investment
China and Norway’s economic relationship has strengthened, marked by increased trade, investment, and a new visa-free policy. After years of tension, high-level meetings in 2023 signaled renewed collaboration, particularly in sustainable practices, technology, and trade between the two nations.
The economic relationship between China and Norway economic relationship has evolved into a strong cooperation, highlighted by increased trade and investment, and a new visa-free policy.
China and Norway have developed a dynamic and evolving economic partnership over the years, marked by mutual interests in trade, investment, and technological cooperation. While their diplomatic relationship dates back to the mid-20th century, recent developments have significantly shaped their bilateral ties. Norway, with its expertise in sustainable practices and green technologies, and China, with its growing investments in these areas, have increasingly aligned their economic interests.
In recent years, the relationship between China and Norway has transformed from a period of diplomatic tension to one of renewed collaboration and growth. The reestablishment of high-level meetings and the introduction of a visa-free policy for Norwegian citizens in 2024 reflect the deepening of their ties.
Diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Norway officially began on October 7, 1950, with diplomatic missions established on October 5, 1954. However, the history of Norwegian diplomatic presence in China dates back to the mid-19th century, during the union of Sweden and Norway, with the first Norwegian mission established in Guangzhou in 1851. Norway continued to maintain diplomatic posts, with its first official mission as an independent country being set up after its separation from Sweden in 1905.
In the 21st century, the relationship has evolved significantly, moving beyond cultural and political exchanges to focus on economic cooperation, particularly in sectors like industry, technology, and trade. By 2009, the volume of bilateral trade had steadily grown, with Norway exporting equipment, chemicals, and seafood such as salmon to China, and China exporting ships, textiles, and electronic products to Norway.
However, diplomatic ties faced a significant setback in 2010, following the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Chinese activist Liu Xiaobo. This led to China suspending high-level bilateral meetings, canceling planned exchanges, and imposing informal restrictions on Norwegian imports, particularly salmon. Diplomatic relations remained frozen for several years, affecting various industries and political dialogues between the two countries.
Normalization of relations was eventually achieved in 2016, marking a turning point that led to improved cooperation in subsequent years. This was followed by a gradual resumption of trade talks and increased bilateral exchanges. In 2023, diplomatic ties saw further strengthening with high-level meetings between Chinese and Norwegian officials, signaling a renewed focus on enhancing economic collaboration. Additionally, a new visa policy was introduced, allowing Norwegian citizens longer stays in China without the need for a visa, underscoring the improving trade and investment relationship.
| This article was first published by China Briefing , which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and India . Readers may write to info@dezshira.com for more support. |
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Business
Fosun in Negotiations to Sell Club Med Stake to CapitaLand of Singapore
CapitaLand Investment is negotiating to acquire a 20-30% stake in Club Med from Fosun International, outbidding competitors. Ongoing talks have resulted in stock price increases for both firms.
CapitaLand Investment in Talks to Acquire Stake in Club Med
Singapore’s CapitaLand Investment is reportedly in advanced negotiations to purchase a minority stake in luxury resort chain Club Med from its Chinese parent company, Fosun International. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that CapitaLand is looking to acquire between 20 to 30 percent of the hotelier, with the anticipated investment amounting to several hundred million euros.
Competitive Bidding and Market Reactions
CapitaLand has emerged as a leading contender for the stake, successfully outbidding various private equity rivals. Following news of these discussions, shares of CapitaLand Investment rose by 2.4 percent, reaching their highest point since early February. Meanwhile, Fosun Tourism’s stock also saw a notable increase, jumping as much as 9.3 percent during the trading session.
Fosun’s Strategic Asset Management
Fosun International has been actively working to reduce its debt through asset sales and limited borrowing. These strategic moves have contributed to a renewed global investor confidence, distinguishing Fosun as one of the few Chinese conglomerates to successfully navigate recent economic challenges.
Source : China’s Fosun in talks to sell stake in Club Med to Singapore’s CapitaLand
China
China Demonstrates Expertise in Influencing Global AI Governance
The World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai (July 2024) advanced global AI governance, featuring the ‘Shanghai Declaration’ which emphasizes AI safety, ethics, international cooperation, and China’s unique governance approach and initiatives.
World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2024
The World Artificial Intelligence Conference, held in July 2024 in Shanghai, was pivotal in redefining global AI governance. During this gathering, the Shanghai Declaration on Global AI Governance was presented, aimed at advancing principles from China’s Global AI Governance Initiative. This Declaration prioritizes AI safety and ethics, laying out strategies for multilateral cooperation among diverse stakeholders.
China’s commitment to AI governance is further illustrated through its position papers, which delve into specific areas such as ethical governance and military applications of AI. These documents not only present a comprehensive framework for AI regulation but also demonstrate China’s approach to merging broad governance principles with targeted policies. This integration captures both overarching and niche aspects of AI governance, particularly in relation to autonomous weapons.
In the global landscape, China seeks to balance its role as both a rule developer and solution provider in AI governance. By actively engaging in UN-led initiatives and proposing resolutions that enhance international cooperation, China aims to create a cohesive framework. Their Global AI Governance Initiative proposes tailored solutions, including a risk-level testing system and agile governance, underscoring the benefits of AI for societal advancement.
Source : China shows deep learning in shaping global AI governance
China
View from The Hill: China-Australia relations head back to room temperature, with Albanese’s November visit
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit China from November 4-7, engaging in discussions with Xi Jinping to mend relations and address trade issues, particularly wine export restrictions.
The defrost in China-Australia relations started cautiously after the change of federal government last year. It then sped up, with developments culminating in the formal announcement at the weekend of the date for the much-anticipated visit by Anthony Albanese.
The bilateral relationship is fast heading back to room temperature.
The PM will visit from November 4 to 7. He’ll have talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and he’ll also attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
The last days of preparation have seen major steps. First came the release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei, detained in China for three years (but writer Yang Hengjun is still there). This was followed at the weekend by the expected breakthrough on China’s restrictions on Australian wine, which prompted Australia to commence action at the WTO in 2021.
China will review, over five months, its duties on the wine; Australia will suspend its WTO action. A statement from Albanese said that “if the duties are not removed at the end of the review, Australia will resume the dispute in the WTO. We are confident of a successful outcome.”
Breaking the impasse on wine is a big deal for producers. Before the duties, China was Australia’s largest wine export market.
The lack of access to China has been devastating for many in the industry, with exports to that country falling from $1.1 billion in 2019 to $16 million in 2022. Unlike some commodities that China hit, for which alternative markets were found, wine producers have had trouble selling elsewhere.
Overall, China is our largest trading partner, representing nearly a third of our total trade. At their height China’s trade restrictions on Australia amounted to some $20 billion. They are down to about $2 billion.
Albanese’s trip will come 50 years after then PM Gough’
Whitlam’s historic visit, which was the first by an Australian prime minister.
Whitlam told a banquet in Peking on October 31, 1973: “In China today we see a great modernising force, capable of exerting profound influence in the world. Close co-operation and association between our two peoples is both natural and beneficial.”
The Whitlam trip “laid the ground work for the diplomatic, economic and cultural ties that continue to benefit our countries today,” Albanese said on Sunday.
Over the decades the relationship has, for Australia, been enormously important economically, but at times very rocky. Albanese’s visit will be the first by an Australian prime minister since Malcolm Turnbull’s in 2016.
An already downward spiral in relations, driven by various issues, worsened dramatically when Australia led international pressure for an inquiry into the origins and early handling of COVID, which began in Wuhan.
The bilateral thaw has been considerably driven by China’s perception of its wider foreign policy interests, with last year’s change of government greatly facilitating the recalibration.
But Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have remained cautious, against the background of China-United States tensions, the Taiwan issue, China’s courting of small Pacific countries, and the speed with things can change. They are keen to say the government will disagree with China where it must and always act in Australia’s national interest.
Meanwhile Mike Burgess, head of ASIO, has called fresh attention to China’s unrelenting spying activities, last week revealing an attempt to “infiltrate a prestigious Australian research institution”.
Among the topics for discussion during Albanese’s visit will be co-operation in economic areas, climate change and people-to-people links.
Albanese will be accompanied by Trade Minister Don Farrell, who has done much of the detailed trade negotiations to unlock the restrictions.
Speaking to journalists before leaving on Sunday for his visit to the United States, Albanese said, “It is important that we stabilise our relationship with China. That is in the interests of Australia and China, and it is indeed in the interests of the world, that we have stable relations, and that is what this visit will represent.”
Asked whether he would hope Xi would visit Australia, Albanese said, “we’ll have discussions about that”, noting Xi has been here a number of times.
Albanese said that in Washington this week he would be having discussions about progressing the legislation needed under the AUKUS agreement.
He’ll also be canvassing the potential benefits for Australia from the US Inflation Reduction Act. Among its objectives, this act seeks to drive clean energy. “As we move to a clean energy global economy, Australia is in a strong position to benefit because of the critical minerals that we have,” Albanese said.
The Prime Minister will be given a state dinner. This is the ninth time he has met President Biden, formally or informally, since becoming PM.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
- Fosun in Negotiations to Sell Club Med Stake to CapitaLand of Singapore
- China Demonstrates Expertise in Influencing Global AI Governance
- View from The Hill: China-Australia relations head back to room temperature, with Albanese’s November visit
- Exploring Opportunities for Foreign Companies in China’s Emerging and High-Tech Industries
- Understanding the Causes of China’s Economic Downturn and Its Implications for Australia – The Guardian
- Geopolitical chess game: Why India has no interest in serving as a western pawn
