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Why is Pakistan’s Nawaz Sharif on a secret visit to China?

Medical reasons are cited for Sharif’s 5-day-long visit to China

While the much-touted three-day long visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore that ended on Wednesday has ruled the recent media headlines in Pakistan, the very low-key visit of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) supremo Nawaz Sharif to Beijing is shrouded in mystery.

Sharif’s five-day-long visit to China begins on Wednesday.

Being announced as a visit for ‘medical reasons’, Sharif’s favourite port of call has always been London where he self-exiled himself from 2019 to 2023. London was also where the former PM had undergone medical treatment. In that sense, a trip to China for medical treatment doesn’t make much sense.

What is surprising is that his senior party colleagues too did not have much idea about the ongoing visit.

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper quoted information minister Attaullah Tarar as saying: "I have no idea." Nor did PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb have any. Yet another PML-N minister confirmed to the newspaper about Sharif’s "private" visit to China.

Could it be that the apparent divergent voices within the party are indicative of fault lines in the PML-N even as Nawaz’s younger brother Shehbaz Sharif holds the reins of the government in Islamabad as the PM? This had led to intense speculation on what the visit could be for.

One could be to rein in China’s worry over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and to assuage apprehensions. The CPEC was Nawaz Sharif’s pet project which he inked with China’s Xi Jinping in 2015. The two leaders had together inked a slew of 51 agreements and MoUs as a part of which China has already invested more than $50 billion.

A mega infrastructural project, the CPEC aims to put China-Pakistan trade onto the fast track as well as to integrate the other countries of the region.

But in the last few years, there have been a series of disturbances in the CPEC area with Baluchi separatist outfits and radical jihadist militants like the Islamic State of Khorasan (IS-K) having mounted attacks on Chinese assets including Chinese workers.

China is understandably not very happy about the developments and the ostensible threats to security. The elder Sharif’s Beijing visit may be to assuage Chinese worries. Or even to seek active assistance from the Chinese to quell these disturbances.

Two, as an architect of the CPEC, Sharif enjoys substantial goodwill in China. With the Pakistani economy in the near doldrums, he may use the visit to meet business heads and companies that could lead to greater Chinese investments in Pakistan.

Three, it could also be about seeking more military aid. Already the China-Pakistan military cooperation is a thriving and prolific one. The PML-N supremo, citing concerns of growing asymmetry with India’s military might, may seek more from the Chinese. A key request may pertain to air defence systems including missiles. This is a field where India has taken remarkable strides in recent times.

Four, former PM Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and inarguably a power centre even though he is being interned in, is seen as being pro-China in his political ideology and strategy while PML-N was seen as being pro-West. With China’s unquestionable rise and growing heft, the elder Sharif may be seeking out a better relationship. After all, China is a next-door neighbour.

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'Special assignment': Pakistan's former PM Nawaz Sharif heads to China on 'private visit'

The insider said it was being speculated in party circles whether the elder Sharif had some ‘special assignment’ in China, which could not be carried out by his younger brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Local media says Sharif will undergo a medical check-up in China and hold meetings with some Chinese companies regarding development projects in Punjab, where his daughter Maryam Nawaz is the chief minister. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also reportedly accompanying him.

"special assignment" in China

It is also being speculated in the PML-N circles that Sharif might be on a "special assignment" in China. 

A source close to the Sharif family told  Dawn  that the purpose of the elder Sharif’s visit was not discussed with the party leadership. “The programme of [Nawaz] Sharif’s visit to China has been kept secret from the party and the PML-N government. Perhaps some very close associates of the elder Sharif would know the exact nature of his visit,” he said.

Is Sharif really going to China for medical reasons?

Sharif never visited China in the past for medical reasons. He went to the United Kingdom on medical grounds in 2019 and stayed there in self-exile, before his return in 2023 after the fall of Imran Khan's government. His younger brother Shehbaz Sharif is leading a six-party coalition at the Centre.

After his dream of becoming prime minister for a fourth time shattered in the February election, Nawaz Sharif has been keeping a low profile.

(With inputs from agency)

Also Read:  Pakistan: PM Shehbaz rakes up Kashmir issue with visiting Iranian President Raisi I DETAILS

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Explained: Why Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China is significant

Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif is in China for a two-day visit where he hopes to revitalise the $60-billion CPEC project as well as seek debt relief. He will also be the first foreign leader to congratulate China’s Xi Jinping for securing a third five-year term

Amid the political crisis at home, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began his two-day visit to China on Tuesday during which he will meet the top Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping, for talks aimed at boosting business and strategic all-weather ties.

Incidentally, Sharif will be the first outside leader to felicitate Xi in person for securing an unprecedented third five-year term at the recently held Communist Party Congress, becoming the first leader after party founder Mao Zedong to continue in power after 10-year tenure.

Ahead of his first visit to China since assuming office in April, Sharif also penned an op-ed in the Chinese newspaper Global Times , saying “the seed of Pakistan-China friendship has blossomed into an evergreen tree with deep roots and strong branches. It has withstood the vicissitudes of international upheavals and vagaries of domestic changes”.

#Opinion : The seed of Pakistan-China friendship has blossomed into an evergreen tree with deep roots and strong branches. It has withstood the vicissitudes of international upheavals and vagaries of domestic changes: Pakistani Prime Minister @CMShehbaz https://t.co/MRVVYmTPxu — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) October 30, 2022

The visit is very significant for Pakistan as it struggles not only politically but also economically at home. It also comes at a time when the country is trying to salvage its ties with the United States, which soured owing to his predecessor, Imran Khan’s anti-American barrage, and accusing it for his ouster from power.

We take a look at what’s on the agenda of the Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China and why it matters.

Financial matters and CPEC

Shehbaz Sharif hopes that his visit to China will get the Asian giant to open its purse strings to Pakistan.

Pakistan is in the midst of an economic crisis, exacerbated by the devastating floods that hit the country over the summer, causing an estimated $30 billion or more in losses.

Prior to his visit, Pakistan had indicated that it would seek debt relief to lessen its balance of payment problems, but has made no official announcement on whether it would formally ask Beijing for such help.

Shehbaz Sharif also hopes to renew the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The CPEC was negotiated by Shehbaz Sharif’s brother Nawaz Sharif when he was prime minister from 2013-2016. It began as a $42 billion project, but was later revised to $67 billion.

However, the CPEC has hit a roadblock with the Sharif administration accusing the Imran Khan rule of “ruining the project”.

According to The Express Tribune of Pakistan, only three out of 15 projects in Gwadar, valued a little over $300 million, were completed, while 12 schemes of about $2 billion, concerning electricity and water supply and provision, remained unfinished. Sharif has resolved to galvanise work.

In his op-ed for Global Times , Shehbaz Sharif wrote that CPEC was the “central pillar of my government’s development agenda”. “Our overall aim is to harness the potential of CPEC for Pakistan’s inclusive and sustainable growth, socioeconomic development and for improving livelihoods of our people,” he wrote, emphasising the importance of the multi-billion dollar plan.

Killing of Chinese nationals

A big challenge for Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing will be the matter of the recent incidents of attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

In September, an attacker posing as a patient killed a man and injured two other people at a dental clinic in Karachi; all three victims were Chinese-Pakistani dual nationals and had operated the dental clinic in the area for 40 years.

In April, three Chinese language teachers and their Pakistani driver were killed in an alleged suicide bombing, also in Karachi, near the city’s Confucius Institute, which propagates Chinese language and culture.

The separatist Baloch Liberation Army — which says Chinese investment in Pakistan does not benefit locals — claimed responsibility.

However, Shehbaz has vowed to safeguard Chinese citizens in his country, writing, “Safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan remains our top priority. The loss of precious Chinese lives in Pakistan is our loss. We would not let anyone to damage our close friendship and strong economic partnership. My government would spare no effort to bring to justice the perpetrators of these reprehensible acts.”

A balancing act

Sharif’s visit also assumes significance amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Both China and Pakistan have in the past extended support to Russia on the matter of the war. China has steadfastly avoided criticising Russia for invading Ukraine and instead blames the United States and NATO for the war. Beijing says Washington and NATO pushed Russia into a corner with steady expansion of the transatlantic military alliance and by backing Ukraine’s drive to be a pro-Western democracy.

Pakistan, too, has supported Russia, with former Prime Minister Imran Khan visiting the country just as the war broke out and being quoted as saying that it was an “exciting time to be in Russia”.

However, the Pakistan leader will have to be mindful that he doesn’t alienate the United States while cosying up to China. Pakistan and the US have had tenuous ties in recent times owing to Imran Khan’s anti-US rhetoric.

What comes of the visit is yet unknown, but one thing is certain: India will be keeping an eye on the growing ties between the two nations, especially with China blocking India’s bid to designate Abdul Rauf Azhar , younger brother of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Masood Azhar, as global terrorist at the UN Security Council.

With inputs from agencies

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ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said that Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s visit to China will cement the Pakistan-China friendship further.

He arrived Beijing on Monday, Gwadar Pro reported. This visit is in connection with the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) to be held in Beijing from Oct. 17 to 18.

Talking to media persons here, Jalil Abbas Jilani mentioned that the PM’s participation in the forum will involve addressing a high-level gathering with the theme of “Connectivity in an Open Global Economy.”

This visit is significant as it offers an opportunity to assess the extensive spectrum of cooperation between Pakistan and China, particularly within the framework of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative, which is now celebrating its ten-year anniversary, he added.

The Foreign Minister elaborated that during this visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese leaders along with other prominent figures attending the third Belt and Road Forum.

He informed that the Prime Minister will engage Chinese business leaders, including heads of major corporations, to explore potential areas of cooperation and potential joint ventures in Pakistan.

FM Jilani also highlighted the expected signing of numerous agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during this visit.

These MoUs are likely to span various sectors, such as agriculture, health, industry, green energy, and space technology, he remarked.

The Foreign Minister stressed that this visit aims to strengthen the already robust bilateral relations between Pakistan and China.

“It provides an excellent opportunity to comprehensively review the entirety of their cooperation, including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” he explained.

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Australian PM Visit to China to Be Locked in at 'Appropriate Time'

Australian PM Visit to China to Be Locked in at 'Appropriate Time'

FILE PHOTO: Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gives the keynote address for the 20th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore June 2, 2023. REUTERS/Caroline Chia/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that he would set the date for a China visit at an "appropriate time" as he stressed the importance of bilateral trade and expressed concerns about an Australian journalist detained in Beijing.

Talks are under way about a visit by Albanese to China as Australia's centre-left Labor government pushes to end unofficial Chinese bans and tariffs placed on some Australian products in 2020 during a lowpoint in diplomatic relations.

Asked about when a visit would happen, Albanese said "we'll finalise the date at an appropriate time", adding that his next overseas trip would be in July to the NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

Albanese refused to be drawn on whether Australians detained in China would be released prior to a visit, but reiterated a call for the release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei, detained in Beijing since being arrested in September 2020.

"Cheng Lei ... should be released and should be allowed to come home to Australia," he said on Sky News television, according to an official transcript.

Australia continued to advocate for the removal of any impediments to trade between the "two great nations", Albanese added.

"The truth is that it is in Australia's interest to export to China, but it's also in China's interest to receive those exports," he said.

China in May said it was set to resume imports of Australian timber days after Trade Minister Don Farrell returned from a trip to Beijing. A visit by Foreign Minister Penny Wong in December was followed weeks later by the resumption of coal shipments.

(Reporting by Sam McKeith; Editing by David Gregorio)

Copyright 2023 Thomson Reuters .

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Malaysian PM Anwar’s visit to China the start of more Chinese investments, say business groups

Business groups in Malaysia have lauded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to China, during which 19 agreements were signed to boost investments in green technology, digital economy and modern agriculture.

The Star reported the groups as saying the visit will send a strong and positive signal to international investors, as well as boost investments between the two countries.

SME Association of Malaysia president Ding Hong Sing welcomed the signings, saying it was good news to local industries, especially the small and medium-sized businesses.

“It will create a ripple effect. China is known for its high-technology expertise and Malaysia will be able to learn a lot from their side,” he said.

Datuk Seri Anwar was on a four-day official visit to China, which ended on Saturday.

During his visit, he met Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping, as well as business leaders.

Mr Anwar on Saturday described his maiden official visit as an achievement that brought great benefits to the country.

“The hospitality received and focus given (by Chinese leaders and business figures) were extraordinary. I consider this a very positive development. This visit is of great benefit to Malaysians,” he told Malaysian media on Saturday night.

The visit saw Malaysia securing RM170 billion (S$51.2 billion) worth of investment commitments from China.

The amount, the biggest so far from China, is from a total of 19 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed between businesses in China and Malaysia in various fields, especially in green technology and the digital economy sectors.

Mr Anwar also extended an invitation for Mr Xi to visit Malaysia in 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

According to Malaysian national news agency Bernama, Mr Xi last visited Malaysia in 2013 when the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement was signed.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia treasurer-general Koong Lin Loong, who was part of Malaysia’s trade delegation to Beijing, said Mr Anwar’s visit would send a positive message to foreign investors, particularly Chinese investors, that Malaysia was a close trading partner.

“The 19 MOUs are a great milestone related to various sectors including electronic vehicles, electronics, big data and digitalisation. They will definitely have a good impact on the country,” he said.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nivas Ragavan said the commitments were seen as a good sign for China and Malaysia to boost trade relations.

“The investments from China will definitely serve as an impetus to science and technological innovation, digital economy, green economy, modern agriculture and bio-medicine,” he added.

“China is already at the forefront globally in those areas, and its partnership with Malaysia would definitely enhance the latter in these fields.”

Mr Nivas said the Chinese investments will open up opportunities for strategic partnerships between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both countries.

“Our local SMEs need a shot in the arm and these partnerships with China companies will definitely push the SMEs to grow.”

Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia acting president Norsyahrin Hamidon said that the chamber remained supportive of the government’s move to bring in investments from China.

“It is high time. We need to be able to tap the large market that China has to offer.”

China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009. Total trade between the two countries reached RM487 billion in 2022.

China was also the top investor in Malaysia in 2022, contributing 21 per cent of the RM264.6 billion investments Kuala Lumpur approved that year.

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Prime Minister returns after successful China visit

20 Aug 2023 | BY Lahiru Doloswala

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena returned to Colombo today (20)after a four-day visit to China.

During his visit, Gunawardena met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the seventh China-South Asia Expo. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including debt relief for Sri Lanka.

Gunawardena said that Sri Lanka is grateful for China's support during its recent economic crisis. He also thanked China for its emergency humanitarian assistance and for extending financial assurances to help Sri Lanka obtain the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement.

Wang Yi assured Gunawardena that China will continue to support Sri Lanka's economic development and poverty alleviation. He also said that China will help Sri Lanka to effectively address the challenges of debt management.

In addition to their bilateral discussions, Gunawardena also delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the China-South Asia Expo. In his speech, he highlighted the opportunities available for investment in Sri Lanka, including in the Colombo Port City and in the Hambanthota Industrial Zone. He also encouraged tourists from Yunnan to visit Sri Lanka.

Gunawardena's visit to China comes at a time when Sri Lanka is facing a severe economic crisis. Sri Lanka is struggling to repay its foreign debt and has been forced to default on some payments. China is one of Sri Lanka's largest creditors, and the two countries have been working to negotiate a debt restructuring agreement.

The China-South Asia Expo is an annual event that brings together businesses and government officials from China and South Asia. The expo is designed to promote trade and investment between the two regions.

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Madrid (AFP) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez begins Thursday a visit to China he hopes will show Spain has gained global influence under his watch ahead of a tight year-end general election.

Issued on: 29/03/2023 - 14:56 Modified: 29/03/2023 - 14:55

The two-day visit comes as Spain is gearing up to take over the European Union's rotating presidency in July which will also serve to project the country on the world stage.

Sanchez will attend the high-profile Boao Forum for Asia on the Chinese island of Hainan on Thursday before meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

He will be only the second leader of a European country to visit China since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago, after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit in 2022.

Sanchez said last week that Xi's invitation proves "the international recognition given to Spain during a time of such complex geopolitical difficulties."

Sanchez's talks will focus on the Ukraine conflict, with Xi trying present himself as a mediator.

The world should listen to China's "voice" in order to find a way out of the war in Ukraine, Sanchez said on Friday ahead of his visit to Beijing.

'Facilitator'

Spain is not "in the first division of global actors" and is not "decisive regarding strategic issues relating to China or Russia," said Jose Ignacio Torreblanca, a senior fellow with the European Council for Foreign Relations.

But the country has "easy" ties with Beijing and it "could act as a facilitator," he told AFP.

Sanchez, a socialist, has made international affairs a priority since he came to power in June 2018, in contrast to his conservative predecessor.

Spain lost influence in the EU, especially during the country's deep economic downturn sparked by the 2008 global financial crisis, said Raquel Garcia, an analyst with Madrid's Elcano Royal Institute, a think tank.

But in recent years Madrid has had "a much more pro-active attitude when it comes to defending its positions, presenting its ideas" in Brussels, she added.

Sanchez managed in 2019 to get his then foreign minister, Josep Borrell, named as the EU's foreign policy chief.

The Spanish premier has also taken advantage of "the loss in leadership of the Franco-German axis" to present Spain as a country that can "make the difference when it is time to form alliances," said Garcia.

Sanchez has been a staunch ally of Ukraine and has visited the country twice since Russia's invasion.

'Reinforce his leadership'

Despite being on the other end of Europe, Spain has welcomed 165,000 Ukrainian refugees, according to Eurostat.

Within the EU, only Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic have received more.

"Spain is not part of the G7 and is only invited as a guest to G20 meetings. It is in Europe where it can best exercise a certain form of leadership," said Garcia.

Having a clear position on Ukraine is "a way to reinforce his leadership" on "the issue which is central in the EU", she added.

Spain's upcoming presidency of the EU will also be the focus of Sanchez's talks with Xi.

"China wants to obtain precise things from the European Union and wants to get closer to Pedro Sanchez" for this reason, said Torreblanca.

Sanchez's taste for diplomacy could also be an asset in the run-up to a general election expected in December, even if the campaign will not focus on international relations.

"The temptation exists to take advantage of foreign policy for electoral purposes for a very simple reason: it's a subject where the opposition does not act," said Torreblanca.

Most polls put the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) several percentage points ahead of Sanchez's Socialists.

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Biden and Kishida Agree to Tighten Military and Economic Ties to Counter China

President Biden is hosting Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, for a state visit as part of a broad diplomatic outreach.

By Peter Baker and Michael D. Shear

Reporting from the White House Rose Garden

President Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan announced a range of moves on Wednesday to further enhance military, economic and other cooperation between the two longtime allies as part of the president’s efforts to counter China’s aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

During a pomp-filled ceremony honoring the visiting Japanese prime minister, the president said the United States and Japan would create an expanded defense architecture with Australia, participate in three-way military exercises with Britain and explore ways for Japan to join a U.S.-led coalition with Australia and Britain.

Mr. Biden also announced that the United States would take a Japanese astronaut to the moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program, which would be the first time a non-American has set foot on the moon.

“This is the most significant upgrade of our alliance since it was first established,” Mr. Biden said at a news conference in the White House Rose Garden along with the prime minister.

Mr. Kishida made a point of reaffirming Japan’s “strong support for Ukraine” in its war against Russia, a key priority for Mr. Biden, and framed the European conflict in terms of the precedent it could set in Japan’s neighborhood. “Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow,” Mr. Kishida said.

Biden Hosts Japan’s Prime Minister at the White House

President biden called the united states and japan “the closest of friends” during a welcoming ceremony for prime minister fumio kishida..

Just a few generations ago, our two nations were locked in a devastating conflict. It would have been easy to say we remain adversaries. Instead, we made a far better choice: We became the closest of friends. Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Kishida, welcome back to the White House.

Mr. Biden’s statements on Wednesday fit into a long history of American presidents declaring that the U.S.-Japan relationship was the most important bilateral alliance in the world.

In preparation for the state visit, Mr. Biden’s aides described the closer military link as one of the biggest upgrades of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, which dates back to early 1960, an Eisenhower-era innovation to turn a former World War II enemy into what later presidents called America’s “biggest aircraft carrier in the Pacific.”

There has always been a bit of hyperbole to the statement. But as the perceived threat from China has grown, Japan has been the linchpin of broader U.S. efforts to unify its separate allies in the region — especially South Korea and the Philippines — into a coordinated force.

The prime minister’s visit comes at the same time Mr. Biden is strengthening the American partnership with the Philippines, which also finds itself the target of a mounting Chinese military presence in the South China Sea. On Thursday, Mr. Biden and Mr. Kishida will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines to demonstrate their joint commitment.

The day began with a welcoming ceremony on the South Lawn, where Mr. Biden hailed the relationship between the United States and Japan as a “cornerstone of peace, security, prosperity” and said that President Eisenhower’s promise of an “indestructible partnership” had been achieved.

“Just a few generations ago, our two nations were locked in a devastating conflict,” Mr. Biden said after he and Mr. Kishida watched a procession of U.S. military honor guards upon the prime minister’s arrival at the White House. “It would have been easy to say we remain adversaries. Instead, we made a far better choice: We became the closest of friends.”

The Biden administration signaled the importance of its relationship with Tokyo by holding an official state dinner on Wednesday evening in honor of Mr. Kishida, something reserved for America’s closest allies.

The visit comes amid hand-wringing in Washington and Tokyo over the possibility of a return to power by former President Donald J. Trump, whose unpredictable foreign policy kept many world leaders on edge. One goal for Mr. Biden, officials said, is to create as much permanence in the Japanese relationship as possible before the election in November.

One administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the upcoming meeting, said there was “anxiety in capitals” around the world, including in Tokyo, about whether Mr. Trump would continue the international engagement that Mr. Biden and prior presidents have embraced. Another official said there was a real risk that Mr. Trump, if re-elected, could move to undo what the leaders of the two countries announced on Wednesday.

Mr. Biden and Mr. Kishida outlined greater coordination and integration between the military forces of both countries, including the formation of a joint defense council that could support more defense-related exports of equipment produced in Japan. And officials agreed on new cooperation on ventures in space and collaboration between research institutions working on artificial intelligence, semiconductors and clean energy.

“The American alliance system has helped bring peace and stability to the Indo-Pacific for decades, and now we need to update and upgrade that alliance network for the modern age,” said Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser. “It goes way beyond security. It’s economics. It’s technology. It’s infrastructure development. And it’s diplomacy. And that’s all going to be on display in the meeting with the prime minister.”

Rahm Emanuel, the United States ambassador to Japan, called the meeting a chance for the two nations to go beyond America’s work to protect Japan and to “write the first chapter of the next era” of cooperation as they work together to project power throughout the region.

That would be a more far-reaching relationship than the United States has historically had with Japan, which for decades after World War II restricted its spending on defense and its engagement around the world.

That began to change during the past several years, under Mr. Kishida, who pushed to expand defense spending and participate in global efforts like the sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Administration officials said Japan’s new willingness to become a full partner with the United States on the global stage has taken the alliance between the two countries to a new level.

But there are still some tensions. The two leaders had to dance carefully around Mr. Biden’s reluctance to let a Japanese firm buy a storied U.S. steel maker. That struck national security experts as strange, since such deals are usually blocked only when they give critical technology to adversaries, not allies.

“The idea that you block the acquisition of a company by one of your closest allies makes no sense in alliance-building terms,” said Joseph S. Nye Jr., an emeritus professor at Harvard who designed many of the defense cooperation strategies with Japan in the Clinton administration.

The meeting on Thursday between Mr. Biden, Mr. Kishida and Mr. Marcos represents a more aggressive effort by the United States and its allies to isolate China — rather than allowing the Chinese leadership to intimidate and isolate its neighbors in the South China Sea and elsewhere.

The Thursday meeting will be the first time that the leaders of the three nations have met together, officials said.

“We’re continuing to deepen our cooperation with our closest partners to ensure what we’ve talked about many times from this podium and elsewhere: a free, open and prosperous Indo Pacific,” Mr. Sullivan told reporters during a briefing at the White House on Tuesday.

Mr. Sullivan declined to say whether Mr. Biden would raise with Mr. Kishida the issue of plans by Nippon Steel, a Japanese corporation, to acquire U.S. Steel , the struggling manufacturer based in Pittsburgh. Mr. Biden has publicly said that he will have “the backs” of union steel workers, indicating his opposition to the deal.

“You guys all know Joe Biden,” he said. “You’ve seen Joe Biden. He’s been very clear that he’s going to stand up for American workers. He’s going to defend your interests. He’s also been very clear that he is going to make sure that the U.S.-Japan alliance is the strongest it’s ever been.”

But administration officials said later on Tuesday that they did not think the subject would come up between the two leaders on Wednesday because both men already know the position of the other.

Mr. Biden greeted Mr. Kishida on Tuesday evening for a brief arrival at the White House. Later, the two leaders and their wives went to BlackSalt, an upscale seafood restaurant in Washington, for a more casual dinner ahead of the formal events on Wednesday.

White House officials said the couples had exchanged a series of gifts on Tuesday evening, a diplomatic tradition for such events. The official gift from Mr. Biden and Jill Biden, the first lady, was a three-legged table that was handmade by a Japanese American-owned company in Pennsylvania.

Other gifts included a lithograph and a two-volume LP set autographed by Billy Joel and a vintage vinyl record collection. Dr. Biden gave Ms. Kishida a framed painting of the Yoshino cherry tree that the two had planted on the South Lawn last spring, and a soccer ball signed by the U.S. women’s national soccer team and the Japanese women’s team.

At the state dinner, the White House was scheduled to serve a meal that would include house-cured salmon and dry-aged rib-eye steak with blistered shishito pepper butter.

David E. Sanger contributed reporting.

An earlier version of this article misstated which countries belong to a security pact that Japan may join. Its members are the United States, Australia and Britain, not the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of a home page headline with this article misstated the surname of Japan’s prime minister. He is Fumio Kishida, not Fushida.

How we handle corrections

Peter Baker is the chief White House correspondent for The Times. He has covered the last five presidents and sometimes writes analytical pieces that place presidents and their administrations in a larger context and historical framework. More about Peter Baker

Michael D. Shear is a White House correspondent for The New York Times, covering President Biden and his administration. He has reported on politics for more than 30 years. More about Michael D. Shear

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Did Chinese media ignore South Korean PM’s visit to China?

After the South Korean prime minister visited China last month, a claim circulated in Korean-language posts that Chinese media outlets “did not cover the prime minister’s visit at all” in protest against Seoul’s recent efforts to strengthen ties with the United States and Japan.

But the claim is false. Keyword searches found Han Duck-soo’s visit was widely covered by Chinese media, including the People’s Daily and Xinhua News Agency. His meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping also garnered significant media attention in China. 

The claim was shared here on Facebook in a group with more than 70,000 members who mostly maintain anti-U.S, pro-China view.

“South Korean media outlets have been heavily promoting the S Korean PM’s visit to China as if it's a big deal. But there is zero coverage by the Chinese media. Nothing. If S Korea wants a proper summit with China, Yoon [referring to the South Korean President] must apologize to China first for upsetting it [with latest moves to cement ties with the U.S. and Japan],” reads the post.

It was shared by a user who claims to be a head of South Korea-based NGO “Green Transport Policy Institute.” Further searches found the user has often spread Chia-related misinformation online.

Similar claims have been shared in other Korean-language Facebook posts that claimed both Xinhua News Agency and People’s Daily did not cover South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s visit to China.

The claim began to circulate after Han arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou on Sept. 23 to attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the sporting event. 

During his two-day visit, Han attended a luncheon hosted by Xi for the leaders of countries competing in the Asian Games and held talks with Xi ahead of the opening ceremony later in that day.

South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that Xi, who has not visited South Korea since 2014, told Han that he will seriously consider visiting South Korea as part of efforts to support peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

Han was the first high-level South Korean official to meet with Xi since President Yoon Suk Yeol met with him on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in Nov. 2022.

But the claim is false. 

Keyword searches of Han’s Chinese name in simplified Chinese, used in mainland China, show Chinese media outlets have been heavily covering Han’s visit to China and his meeting with Xi as seen on CCTV  and  China News Agency , etc. 

Both People's Daily and Xinhua News Agency also covered the news in their Korean language service.

Yoon, a conservative, has endeavored to align Seoul’s foreign policy with that of the United States in order to counter global challenges such as North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Yoon has prioritized strengthening its military and economic cooperation with Washington and Tokyo to this end.

South Koreans are largely divided on Yoon’s policy, with conservatives applauding the approach because they believe it could effectively promote North Korea’s denuclearization. Liberals, including the main opposition Democratic Party, contend that such an approach exacerbates tensions on the Korean Peninsula, citing the possibility of jeopardizing relations with China.

Han’s visit to China has become a source of disinformation among pro-China online users who support the DP. In addition to the false claim that Chinese media outlets ignored Han, users claimed that Xi was intentionally rude to Han to “teach him a lesson” and that Chinese authorities “mistreated” South Korean delegates in a protest against Yoon. 

Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) is a branch of RFA established to counter disinformation in today’s complex media environment. Our journalists publish both daily and special reports that aim to sharpen and deepen our readers’ understanding of public issues.

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Follow our news, recent searches, prime minister lee hsien loong arrives in guangzhou at start of official visit to china, advertisement.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited an autonomous vehicle company WeRide and met Singaporeans in Guangdong in a reception on his first day.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Madam Ho Ching arrive in Guangzhou on Mar 27, 2023, and are received by Guangdong Vice Governor Zhang Xin (left) and the People's Republic of China Ambassador to Singapore Sun Hai Yan (right). (Photo: Ministry of Communications and Information)

Koh Wan Ting

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrived in Guangzhou on Monday (Mar 27) at the start of his first trip to China in more than three years . 

Landing in Guangzhou at 12.19pm, Mr Lee was greeted by Chinese officials, including Guangdong Vice Governor Zhang Xin and the People’s Republic of China's Ambassador to Singapore Sun Hai Yan. 

He was accompanied by Madam Ho Ching, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and National Development Sim Ann, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Law Rahayu Mahzam as well as other Singapore government officials.

Mr Lee's first stop was autonomous driving technology company WeRide, headquartered at the Biotech Island of Guangzhou. 

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrived in Guangzhou on Monday (Mar 27) at the start of his first trip to China in more than three years. Mr Lee was greeted by Chinese officials, including Guangdong Vice Governor Zhang Xin and the People’s Republic of China's Ambassador to Singapore Sun Hai Yan. Olivia Siong reports. 

WeRide, which provides driverless vehicles such as Robotaxis and Robovans, currently counts Singapore public transport operator SMRT and venture capital firm K3 Ventures as investors. 

The tech company signed a memorandum of understanding with SMRT subsidiary Strides last November as part of its plan to trial autonomous vehicles in Singapore in the second half of this year. WeRide aims to gradually expand operations to the rest of Southeast Asia. 

During his nearly half-hour visit at WeRide's premises, Mr Lee and his retinue were briefed on the company's operations, technology and reach. 

He also rode on one of WeRide's Robobuses - part of a fleet that is currently plying the roads of Guangzhou as a form of public transport. 

In the evening, Mr Lee met Singaporeans in Guangdong in a reception at the InterContinental Guangzhou Exhibition Center.

Received with cheers from a crowd of around 150 Singaporeans, Mr Lee spoke briefly on emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and about dealing with further global and local challenges. 

During his meetings with individual Singaporeans, Mr Lee also had a "good discussion" with them about their experiences living in China, the Prime Minister's press secretary told the media. 

During an interview with Chinese broadcaster China Central Television ahead of the trip, Mr Lee had described  relations between Singapore and China as "very good" . 

For his remaining five days, Mr Lee is slated to meet with more Chinese officials, including China's new premier Li Qiang , and speak at the Bo’ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in Hainan. 

His visit, which ends on Apr 1, will include a meeting with China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing. 

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Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited China(25-28), which was his first visit to the country after he assumed charge as the Prime Minister of Vietnam. Prime Minister Chinh has been making new efforts for the resurgence of Vietnamese economy given the fact that China is one of the topmost trade partners of Vietnam ,and Vietnam is looking for investment in developing its digital economy. His visit follows the earlier visit by Vietnamese communist leader and party general secretary Nguyen Phu Truong Who visited China in October last year, immediately after the Chinese president Xi  Jinping received his 3rd term. During the visit of the party general secretary the stress was on maintaining close communication and maintaining the party ties between the two communist parties. Vietnam’s party general secretary  has been buttressing zero tolerance towards corruption, and has been forcefully asking for economic reforms which has led to Vietnam emerging as the fastest growing economy in the region.

China also accords important status to Vietnam given the fact that it has become a middle power and has been managing its relationship with all the major powers in a very balanced way. The visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister  over the last 2 years to different regions of the world and also forging of better economic ties signifies the role that  Vietnam’s economy is going to play in the upliftment of the citizens and explore better avenues for growth. Interestingly, Vietnamese PM  visited China when US aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan docked at the Danang on June 25 th .  Around the same time, Philippine foreign minister also visited India to discuss issues related to bilateral cooperation. These events might be just a coincidence but it clearly signifies the role that major powers are going to play in the larger South East Asia.

During the visit important issues were discussed between the two sides and it was acknowledged that the two leaders  namely Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Chinh should visit each other like relatives and the two countries should work together for more stable region and  look for better development avenues. On June 27th the meeting of President Xi  and Prime Minister Chinh was held which  discussed issues related to trade, increased investment in select sectors, and highlighting the mutual historical ties between the two parties. During the meeting there has been equal stress on expanding trade and also new projects under Belt And Road Initiative infrastructure projects. During the meeting between Chinese premier Li  and Prime Minister Chinh it was acknowledged that the differences in South China Sea should be managed and the two sides should strengthen high level cooperation and communication between the militaries as well. Vietnam has been managing its relationship with major powers in a very flexible and diversified way so that it should not be seen as tilting towards one power.

 China visit by PM Chinh is buttress increased border trade, interaction between communities, and accelerating the infrastructure projects undertaken by the two sides. In terms of economic ties, Vietnam is a major trading partner of China in the region and the two way trade in 2022 was more than us $175.6 billion. In terms of foreign direct investment China has invested more than U.S. dollar 23.85 billion spanning across 3651 projects in Vietnam. This trip has helped in deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership signed between the two countries. A number of meetings that Vietnamese Prime Minister had with Chinese premier, Chinese president and party general secretary, Chairman of Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and many others, one primary underlining theme was that Vietnam is committed to independent foreign policy, self reliance, and undertaking diversified relationship so that Vietnam can progress much faster towards industrialisation, modernisation, and becoming one of the priority countries for foreign direct investment from across the world. During the meetings it was also expressed that maintaining peace and tranquility in the East Sea/ South China Sea should be a priority and Vietnamese PM buttress the fact that settlement of dispute should be done through peaceful measures in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the law of the  Seas(UNCLOS).

Prime Minister Chinh also attended the 14th World Economic Forum in the Chinese city of Tianjin in which areas of mutual interest and promoting economic linkages between the member countries was discussed. During the meeting , Vietnamese Prime Minister while speaking to the other leaders  stated that Vietnam has adapted to new technologies, advanced  manufacturing processes and has an advantage in terms of high quality human resources, new finance architecture, and has been shifting towards modern governance structures which will help Vietnam in sustainable development. He highlighted the fact that Vietnam has been striving for green transformation, digital economy, reduction in use of fossil fuels, synergising its efforts with other like minded countries in science and technology development, and also creating a circular economy. Vietnam PM  attended the meeting along with leaders from China, New Zealand, Mongolia, and Barbados. He also stressed on promoting multilateralism, building international solidarity and connecting communities for development. One of his focus areas during his speech was reducing inflationary trends in energy and food prices, reducing tensions at global level, and building conducing environment for development of small and medium enterprises which have been providing employment across the developing world.

During this visit few important achievements have been highlighted which included China’s willingness to open the country’s market for Vietnamese goods with particular focus on agricultural and marine products as well as fruits. improved connectivity and infrastructure projects, assistance in manufacturing and automation within Vietnamese industrial hubs, and encouraging Chinese investment in large  and high tech firms. The discussion also talked about issues related to climate change efforts, macroeconomic management, better crop yield, enhancing breeding of fishery resources, sharing of best practices in financial and monetary policies, and  promoting people to people contacts.

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PM Lee Hsien Loong to visit the People’s Republic of China, 27 March to 1 April 2023

26 march 2023.

Source: PMO

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will make an Official Visit to China [Guangzhou (Guangdong Province), Bo’ao (Hainan Province) and Beijing] from 27 March to 1 April 2023 at the invitation of the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang.

In Guangdong, Prime Minister Lee will meet and be hosted to lunch by Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Guangdong Provincial Committee Huang Kunming. Prime Minister Lee will also meet Singaporeans in Guangdong.

In Hainan, Prime Minister Lee will attend the Opening Plenary of the Bo’ao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference and deliver a speech. He will attend an Official Lunch hosted by Premier Li for the foreign leaders attending the BFA Annual Conference. The theme of this year’s BFA Conference is “An Uncertain World: Solidarity and Cooperation for Development amid Challenges.” Prime Minister Lee will also have a meeting with Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee Feng Fei.

In Beijing, Prime Minister Lee will meet President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. He will meet Premier Li, who will host a Welcome Ceremony and a Lunch Banquet. Prime Minister Lee will also have meetings with Chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning, and Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee Yin Li.

Prime Minister Lee will be accompanied by Mrs Lee, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Development, Sim Ann, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Law, Rahayu Mahzam, as well as officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Trade and Industry.

During Prime Minister Lee’s absence, Mr Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, will be the Acting Prime Minister from 27 March to 28 March 2023, and Mr Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, will be the Acting Prime Minister from 29 March to 1 April 2023.

.   .   .   .   .

PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE SINGAPORE 26 MARCH 2023

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

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North Macedonia's opposition rightist leads ahead of May 8 presidential poll runoff

North Macedonian presidential candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova held a big lead over incumbent Stevo Pendarovski with votes counted from 99.03% of polling stations on Thursday, but both were short of the 50% backing needed to win outright.

Papua New Guinea was 'blessed' with a visit by China just a day ago. Anthony Albanese is hot on their tail

Analysis Papua New Guinea was 'blessed' with a visit by China just a day ago. Anthony Albanese is hot on their tail

It's becoming a fairly regular pattern now in Papua New Guinea that foreign leaders appear to visit within a short window of time from one another.

China's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will have departed Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport just over 24 hours before Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese touches down for an extended visit to walk the Kokoda Track.

PNG prime minister James Marape summed it up neatly on Sunday morning:

"They didn't plan to be back-to-back … but PNG is blessed," he told reporters.

While relations between Canberra and Beijing are thawing, there's still considerable geo-political posturing taking place in the South Pacific.

Mr Wang spent the weekend in Port Moresby for meetings with Mr Marape and PNG's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko, with the two nations signing several agreements, relating to trade and information communication technology.

In his remarks following a bilateral meeting on Saturday, Minister Wang took aim at Australia and the AUKUS partnership – a security relationship for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, the US and UK — claiming it "instigated division … not in line with the urgent needs of Pacific Island countries."

He also said that China saw Pacific Island countries as an "indispensable partner", with assistance given to countries without "strings attached", or an "imposition of our will."

And in a not-so-veiled swipe at language used by former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison, Mr Wang said Pacific Islands weren't the "backyard of any major country."

Just as Mr Wang was departing, Mr Marape spoke to reporters about the strengthening relationship between PNG and China.

But Australian officials will be elated at what Mr Marape had to say ahead of the Australian prime minister's visit.

"Australia-PNG relationship is also second to none," he said.

As PNG looks ahead, Australia reminds of the past

While the long-running Pacific diplomacy of Papua New Guinea has been an attitude of "friends to all, enemies to none", it appears PNG is marking clear lines as to what it's seeking from those friends.

With a population that largely lives on customary land that can be used for agricultural purposes, PNG sees the access to large export markets as a key to its economic empowerment.

Beijing is happy to oblige, with the two nations signing agreements that would allow PNG to more easily export cocoa and coffee beans.

"This will allow 80 per cent of our population that are self-reliant farmers the opportunity now to access one of the biggest markets in the world," Mr Tkatchenko said after the signing.

Chinese companies also have considerable interest in PNG's resources, notably its gold and liquid natural gas.

In an historic speech to Australia's parliament earlier this year, Mr Marape spoke about its pursuit of greater economic strength, to cut back on its dependence on development assistance.

In this respect, it sees China as a crucial partner.

"Trade supersedes aid and grants, we engaged in conversation to build a stronger economy in our country," Mr Marape said on Sunday of the bilateral talks with China.

The next few days, however, will highlight Australia and PNG's inalienable historic security ties, with a walk of the Kokoda Track by both prime ministers.

During the two-day trek, Mr Albanese will be focusing on the shared "service and sacrifice" of the two nations.

The trip will be laden with symbolism, as Mr Albanese looks to the past to build relationships in the Pacific to deal with contemporary challenges posed by China's growing presence in the region.

While Solomon Islands has signed policing and security agreements with Beijing, PNG officials have since gone to lengths to assure officials in Canberra that no security or policing deals were being worked on with Beijing.

Meanwhile, Australia and PNG continue to carry out construction of police infrastructure as part of a bilateral security agreement, and the joint redevelopment of PNG's Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island.

Leaders take to Kokoda to honour shared history

Ahead of the walk, Mr Marape has described the opportunity for the two men, whom he describes as "good friends", as an "honour".

"The ANZAC spirit is as much ours as it is Australian and New Zealand's," he said.

"I will very much be privileged to walk that leg of the journey until the prime minister decides to call it enough.

"As the chief host of Prime Minister Albanese, it would be unfair on him and the Australian people if the PM of PNG does not accompany him for his stay in PNG."

Ahead of his departure, Mr Albanese described the Kokoda campaign and the Kokoda Track — where Australian and Papuan infantry battalions fought Japanese soldiers in the Second World War — as "part of our national identity."

"[It is] a defining chapter in the story of those who risked and lost their lives in defence of Australia and in our shared history with Papua New Guinea," he said in a statement.

"Kokoda is a name that lives in Australian legend. It captures the spirit of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice forged between Australia and Papua New Guinea during World War II.

"Participating in this walk is a solemn way to honour, to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who walked this same ground, people from Papua New Guinea and Australia, serving and sacrificing together in defence of their home."

The walk will conclude with an Anzac Day dawn service in the village of Isurava.

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While albanese walks the kokoda track this anzac day, china's foreign minister could be in png for other reasons.

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Germany’s Scholz arrives in China on a visit marked by trade tensions and Ukraine conflict

FILE - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gestures as he arrives at the Party of European Socialists (PES) Leaders Conference, at the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon, in Bucharest, Romania, on April 6, 2024. Scholz arrived in China on Sunday, April 14, 2024 on a visit focused on the increasingly tense economic relationship between the sides and differences over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru, File)

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BEIJING (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in China on Sunday on a visit focused on the increasingly tense economic relationship between the sides and differences over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Scholz’s first destination was the industrial hub of Chongqing, where he and his delegation of ministers and business leaders were to visit a partially German-funded company and other sites in the vast city, which is a production base for China’s auto and other industries.

Scholz is also scheduled to visit the financial hub of Shanghai during his three-day visit, before traveling to the capital, Beijing, to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

German companies such as BMW and Volkswagen are highly reliant on the Chinese market, but Beijing’s support for Russia creates frictions with the West.

Germany’s economy has benefited from China’s demand for investment and manufactured items from cars to chemicals, but those ties have frayed amid increasing competition from Chinese companies and tightened regulations. Political interference has also been blamed for a sharp drop in foreign investment.

German companies have argued they face unfair market barriers in China and the government has pushed for a policy of “de-risking” to reduce reliance on the Chinese market and suppliers.

Despite that, China remained Germany’s top trading partner for the eighth straight year in 2023, with 254.1 billion euros ($271 billion) in goods and services exchanged between the sides, slightly more than what Germany traded with the U.S. but a 15.5% contraction from the year before. German exports to China totaled 97.3 billion euros ($104 billion), according to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, although figures have varied depending on exchange rate fluctuations and rounding of numbers.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed Scholz descending from his plane in Chonqing and leaving in a motorcade, but did not carry any comments made to the welcoming delegation.

Prior to his arrival, Scholz posted on social platform X that he had discussed the “massive” Russian air attacks on civilian energy infrastructure with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, and declared that Berlin will “stand unbreakably by Ukraine’s side.”

China has refused to criticize Russian aggression. It has maintained trade relations with President Vladimir Putin’s government and aligned its foreign policy with Moscow in opposition to the U.S.-led liberal political order, while touting its authoritarian one-party system as a superior alternative.

After visiting a hydrogen motor production facility run by German firm Bosch, Scholz toured the city with young architects and was to go on a boat cruise on the famed Yangtze River, one of two mighty waterways that partly surround the city perched on overlooking cliffs.

Following a visit Monday to Shanghai, Scholz will fly to Beijing and meet with Xi Tuesday at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse before being received with military honors by Li at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of the ceremonial legislature in the heart of the Chinese capital. Further visits and meetings will follow before he departs late Wednesday night.

This is Scholz’s second trip to China since he became chancellor in late 2021. His previous visit was in November 2022 and essentially was a one-day trip because of the strict COVID restrictions still in place at the time.

It is his first visit since the German government last year presented its China strategy, which met with criticism from Beijing . Premier Li and a delegation of senior officials visited Berlin in June.

Associated Press reporter Geir Moulson contributed to this report from Berlin.