China, CEE strengthen strategic ties at summit

The sixth China and Central and Eastern European Countries Local Leaders’ Meeting concluded on 16 October with a firm commitment between the Asian country and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) officials to deepening strategic cooperation across sectors such as trade, agriculture, and technology.

The two-day summit, held in Yantai, Shandong province, saw over 300 representatives from CEE, including officials, diplomats, academics, and business leaders, discuss the future of China-CEE relations in a shifting global landscape.

Growing trade links

Trade between China and CEE has seen significant growth, with Shandong province at the forefront of these. In 2023, Shandong’s trade volume with CEE nations reached 51.55bn yuan (EUR 6.65bn), marking an 18.6% increase from the previous year. The province has maintained an annual growth rate of around 18% over the past five years, reflecting strong economic ties amid a global environment marked by rising protectionism and supply chain disruptions.

While trade growth remains strong, the summit emphasised the need for continued diversification, particularly in areas like digital innovation and renewable energy. Both regions are exploring new avenues for cooperation to reduce dependence on traditional industries and build more resilient economies.

The cooperation mechanism between China and the CEE countries, launched in 2012, has developed into a key platform for trans-regional partnerships. Despite a decade of progress, participants stressed the need for more focused efforts to tackle challenges such as economic disparities and food security, which remain central to the region’s growth agenda.

Enhancing strategic alignment

Li Hongzhong, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, said strengthening local-level partnerships ensures sustainable progress. “We must enhance the alignment of our development strategies and improve the mechanisms for local cooperation platforms,” said Li, emphasising practical, results-oriented cooperation.

Shandong province has intensified its economic and cultural ties with several CEE nations, as highlighted by the recent signing of a cooperation agreement with Vojvodina, north Serbia. The deal focuses on knowledge exchange and joint initiatives to boost the quality of life in both regions.

Vojvodina Governor Maja Gojkovic said the deal “provides an opportunity for both regions to share resources and enhance mutual development”, noting that Vojvodina had already established similar agreements with nine other Chinese provinces.

Agriculture, tech at forefront

The newly unveiled China-CEE Modern Agricultural Science and Education Innovation Alliance will meanwhile bring together 64 universities, research institutions, and businesses, to address food security, evolving consumer preferences, and agricultural technology.

Association for the Promotion of Agricultural Cooperation between China and CEE director Momchil Stanishev said “Agriculture is an area where the differences between China and CEE nations present opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said, noting that China’s growing demand for higher-quality food and investments in farm productivity could align with the CEEC’s agricultural capabilities.

Liu Zhenjie, deputy head of Shandong’s department of agriculture and rural affairs, stressed the alliance’s potential to create a robust platform for innovation, particularly in integrating education and technology to improve agricultural output.