According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot will visit China from April 27 to May 1. The visit will take place at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the same period, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong will also visit China from April 28 to 30.
Beijing mentioned that Wong’s visit will include the eighth Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Wang Yi and Wong. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the two sides will discuss bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues of common interest.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reported that Wong’s visit to China is part of her regional tour, which also includes Japan and South Korea. Canberra said one of the main topics of the tour is energy security, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have caused disruptions in global energy markets.
Penny Wong said Australia supports a “stable and constructive relationship” with China, which, according to her, is in the interests of both countries. Australia’s official statement also emphasized that economic ties between the two countries are important for supply chains, investment, and employment in both economies.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot’s visit coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium. According to Belga News Agency, his visit will include Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing. In China, Prévot will discuss bilateral relations, issues concerning Belgian companies operating in the Chinese market, fair competition, market access, and geopolitical challenges.
According to Prévot, China is an “indispensable partner” for Belgium, but the relationship must be “clear and balanced”. He said Belgium seeks fair conditions, real market access, and open dialogue with China. Alongside economic issues, the agenda of the visit also includes geopolitical topics, including the war in Ukraine, Iran, navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and human rights.
Against the backdrop of these two visits, Beijing is seeking to intensify foreign-policy dialogue at a time when China is trying to deepen economic cooperation with Western partners while also managing political disagreements. With Australia, the agenda focuses on strategic dialogue and energy security, while with Belgium it centers on trade balance, market access, and other geopolitical issues.
