Tensions between China and Sweden aren’t hurting trade, researchers say
- Despite tense relations, Chinese investment in the country saw a threefold increase last year, and bilateral trade grew 15 per cent
- Swedish institute analysed nearly 60 statements issued by Chinese embassy accusing media, police and others of misrepresenting the country
Trade and investment between China and Sweden is growing despite tensions over human rights issues, suggesting Beijing has not applied economic pressure on Stockholm, Swedish researchers say.
In a report released on Monday, the Swedish Institute of International Affairs said the Chinese embassy in Stockholm had issued nearly 60 statements since the start of 2018 accusing media, police and others in Sweden of misrepresenting China.
The statements were prompted by issues including the plight of a detained Swedish bookseller, Beijing’s treatment of Muslims in the Xinjiang region, and a row over a group of Chinese tourists being turned away from a Stockholm hotel.
But the report, titled “China’s propaganda campaign in Sweden, 2018–19”, concluded that although relations between the two countries had deteriorated, their bilateral economic ties expanded in 2018.
Chinese investment in Sweden surged last year, with a threefold increase from US$1.5 billion in 2017 to US$4.5 billion in 2018, according to data from Rhodium Group.
