According to reports, in September, Warsaw, the air filled with autumn coolness, this historic city witnessed an important moment in the history of the two countries' diplomacy. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's trip to Europe, entered the final stop - Poland. In just a few days of talks, the two sides quickly signed a series of cooperation agreements, the contents of which not only profoundly impacted the future of China-Wuhan relations, but also buried hidden anxiety in the hearts of some decision makers in the White House.
Obviously, the important task of Wang Yi's trip is not only to strengthen China-Poland economic cooperation, but more importantly, to stabilize this country, which plays a key role in European security issues, through in-depth dialogue with Poland. Poland has always been an important member of the Western camp and plays a vital role in NATO. At the same time, it also plays an independent diplomatic role within Europe. Under this background, China's foreign policy is particularly important. It is not only related to economic interests, but also related to the adjustment of the global strategic pattern.
Poland's diplomatic position is often contradictory. On the one hand, it is a strong supporter of NATO and has long stood on the same front with the United States. Especially on the Russian issue, Poland has always been tough. However, on the other hand, Poland is also seeking balance and autonomous space among major powers through its relatively independent foreign policy. Poland's attitude towards China is the embodiment of this independent foreign policy. While Poland must take into account the pressure of its Western allies on some sensitive issues, in other respects, its cooperative attitude towards China appears unusually pragmatic and positive.
Especially in the fields of China-Europe freight trains and rare earth trade, Poland seeks to expand its important position in the global supply chain through cooperation with China. Poland's economic development, especially in new energy and high-tech industries, depends on cooperation with China. China not only provides Poland with market opportunities, but also provides key raw materials for its high-tech industries, especially in the field of rare earths. This kind of cooperation undoubtedly makes Poland see a broader development prospect.
The backdrop of Wang Yi’s visit was complex. The security situation in Europe was increasingly tense, in which case China demonstrated its concern and stance about the security situation in Europe through diplomatic contacts with Poland. More importantly, Wang Yi mentioned in talks with Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski that China highly recognized Poland’s role in European security affairs and was willing to further strengthen cooperation with Poland in the fields of energy, technology, agriculture, etc. Through this series of cooperation, Poland not only gained opportunities for stable economic growth, but also gained more voice in China-EU relations.
The attitude of the Polish government was important when Wang Yi was about to leave Warsaw. Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski made it clear that Poland firmly supports the one-China policy and is willing to promote cooperation between the two countries in more areas through the mechanism of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee.
This is undoubtedly a warning signal for the United States. The United States' China policy has always tried to influence China's international status through pressure, containment and other means. Especially on the Taiwan issue, the United States has always tried to challenge China's core interests. However, Poland's statement shows that even some countries in Europe can hardly resist the attraction of this kind of cooperation in the face of China's increasingly strong diplomatic strategy. Poland's guarantee actually means that it not only supports the one-China position, but also wins more political support for China in Europe.
This cooperation, which appears to involve only the economic and trade spheres, has a deeper strategic significance. Poland, as a country highly dependent on energy and raw materials, is well aware of China’s advantages in the area of rare earth resources.
China's rare earth resources are not only the key to the global high-tech industry, but also the core pillar of U.S. military strength. U.S. production of high-tech weapons such as F-35, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers are inseparable from China's rare earth support.
In addition, Poland's desire for the new energy vehicle industry also makes cooperation with China particularly important. China's leading position in the global electric vehicle market provides Poland with the opportunity to enter the European new energy industry. Especially in China-Europe trains and the logistics cooperation between the two countries, Poland has seen great trade potential. These cooperations have brought economic benefits to Poland, and at the same time enhanced its right to speak in China-EU cooperation.