In mid-October, Beijing welcomed an unusual wave of visits on diplomatic occasions. French President's Foreign Affairs Advisor Bona took the lead and came to China to hold the China-France Strategic Dialogue from October 15 to 16. Swedish Foreign Minister Stinagade and Canadian Foreign Minister Anand followed closely, both of them from October 16 to 17. Official visit to China.
Senior officials of the three countries arrived in Beijing almost before and after, which is rare in the diplomatic field. What's more striking is that all three countries are close allies of the United States in the traditional sense.
High officials of the three countries simultaneously visit China, diplomatic signals are unusual
Bonn, the French president’s foreign affairs adviser, is a familiar old face with China, which coincides with the establishment of the new French government soon. The two sides will conduct in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations and international regional issues of common interest, especially to promote the implementation of the consensus of the Chief, and to consolidate mutual trust.
Swedish Foreign Minister Stinagaard's visit is aimed at ensuring the stability and far-reaching development of bilateral relations. As the first western country to establish diplomatic relations with New China, Sweden has close cooperation with China in the fields of green industry and high-tech manufacturing.
The visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Anand is more realistic. In recent years, China-China relations have experienced turmoil, and the two sides hope to use this to promote the improvement and development of bilateral relations. The Foreign Minister of Canada said directly that China's policy will focus on national interests and will not bind the United States' balancing strategy.
Senior officials from the three countries appeared in Beijing almost at the same time. This is by no means an accidental diplomatic arrangement. Some observers pointed out that this intensive visit pattern reflects that Western allies are actively adjusting their diplomatic coordinates at a time when the Sino-US game is intensifying.
The background of this wave of visits to China is that China has recently implemented a series of regulatory and restrictive measures on the rare earth industry chain. Rare earths are known as "the vitamins of modern industry". From smart phones and electric vehicles to missiles and nuclear submarines, these key materials are inseparable.
China occupies a pivotal position in the global rare earth industry. It not only supplies about 70% of the world's rare earth elements, but also controls the control of More than 90% of refining capacity。In April, after China implemented export controls on medium and heavy rare earths such as samarium, terbium, and dysprosium, the international market immediately shook.
China's control measures are very precise, not only restricting the export of raw materials, but also extending to technology and production line services. It has even established a directory of rare earth talents to prevent the outflow of technology. This "toothpaste squeeze" export strategy not only maintains the high price of rare earths, but also constrains the lifeline of opponents.
Ford Motor Company's factory in Chicago was forced to shut down for a week due to lack of Nd-Fe-B magnets. What's more serious is that the U.S. military system has suffered a direct impact-each F-35 fighter jet requires more than 400 kilograms of rare earth materials.
As a core power in the EU, France has always pursued strategic autonomy. The Macron government has previously made it clear that China is a "long-term and trustworthy strategic partner." France realized that the price of resisting China under pressure from the United States was unbearable.
Although Sweden is diplomatically low, its reliance on Chinese raw materials in high-tech and manufacturing is deeper than imagined.The Swedish enterprise community is under pressure in the supply chain and has an urgent need to ensure a stable supply of key materials such as rare earth.
Canada has more direct economic demands. Previously, Canada followed the U.S. policy towards China, resulting in setbacks in exports of rapeseed and other agricultural products. Canadian Foreign Minister Anand made it clear that it is crucial for Canada to maintain stable relations with the world's major economies and that all actions are based on the best interests of the Canadian people.
These countries don't want to be regarded as "chess pawns" anymore, and the ultimate cost of the US-led suppression of China will be borne by them.
The economic accounts behind the turn of American allies
After the Trump administration returned to the White House, it threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese goods, but unlike before, Western allies did not follow.
The French economy is facing difficulties, and there is an urgent need to find a reliable economic cradle. China's huge market and the huge demand for green transformation is exactly where the real interests of France are eager to match. China has great potential for cooperation in traditional fields such as aerospace, nuclear energy, and the green economy is also a new cooperation growth point.
Sweden’s innovation capabilities in the fields of sustainable development and smart cities are highly aligned with the Chinese market. Sweden wants to retain its own enterprises and avoid supply chain problems. For Sweden, relying on NATO to ensure security and relying on China to develop the economy is a pragmatic option.
Canada is worried about losing the Chinese market. Canadian Foreign Minister Anand chose China as his first foreign visit after taking office, sending a strong signal that Canada hopes to stabilize its economic and trade relations with China. On issues such as agricultural exports, Canada urgently needs dialogue with China, so as not to affect the long-term development of bilateral relations.
Faced with China's rare earth controls, the United States reacted strongly but was weak. U.S. Treasury Secretary Basent declared that "Sino-US relations have been significantly eased," but at the same time offered conditions: requiring China to abandon rare earth export controls. The United States even hinted that it might expel China students studying in the United States as retaliation.
However, these threats appear to be insufficient.In the short term, the United States has almost no solution to the dependence on rare earth, both domestic mining and alternative technologies, facing high costs and inefficiency.The only rare earth mine in the United States, Mantenpass, also needs Chinese technology debugging equipment.
What makes the United States even more embarrassing is that its attempt to win over allies to exert pressure has failed. Bessent has tried to unite with the European Union, India and others to put pressure on China, but in the face of practical interests, no country is willing to pay for the United States 'rare earth anxiety.
EU ambassador to China Tolebie said the shortage of rare land has had a “very, very serious” impact on European. EU companies obtained temporary permits through compliance applications, but long-term solutions still require technological and financial breakthroughs.
A multipolar world has become a trend, and China has the initiative
The intense visits of the three high-ranking officials to China reflect the profound changes in the international landscape. Today's world is no longer a confrontation between black and white camps during the Cold War, but a highly fragmented interest competition. France advocates "strategic autonomy", Sweden seeks balance, Canada tries to ease relations, and all countries are repositioning their coordinates.
China's rare-earth control reflects China's long-term strategic thinking. China does not pursue momentary hardness, but uses resources to push the re-balance of international relations.This strategy highlights China's position as a rule maker.
China has also established a green channel for rare earth export approval, and approved compliance applications according to law. This practice of maintaining pressure while leaving room leaves room for international cooperation.
Compared to the United States' "American priority", China's cooperation philosophy of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit is reshaping the pattern of international relations.The countries are reluctant to sacrifice their economic interests for political goals, and pragmatic cooperation has become the mainstream trend in international relations.
In the next few months, German Chancellor Merz may also visit China with Macron. The investment agreement with China is being rediscussed within the EU, and agreements that have been shelved in the past few years may be reactivated because of practical interests.
The world has bid farewell to the era of single hegemony and shifted to a more complex multipolar pattern. In this quiet change, China has already taken the lead.
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Senior officials from France, Canada, Sweden and other countries will visit China intensively. China responds
2025-10-14 16: 10 · Observer.com