A Chinese defense ministry delegation visited Europe from March 23 to 29 for a series of institutional meetings. The delegation participated in the 15th China-EU dialogue on defense and security policy. It also attended the 9th China-NATO security policy dialogue and the 15th China-Switzerland defense policy coordination dialogue.
Participants conducted in-depth exchanges on international and regional security situations. They also addressed other issues of mutual concern during the meetings. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense posted a statement on its official website Sunday confirming the visit.
The China-EU dialogue on defense and security policy has reached its 15th iteration. Similarly, the China-NATO security policy dialogue reached its ninth round. The China-Switzerland defense policy coordination dialogue also completed its 15th session.
The delegation’s week-long visit covered multiple European capitals. The itinerary included Brussels for EU and NATO meetings. The delegation also traveled to Bern for talks with Swiss defense officials.
The discussions likely covered Russia’s war in Ukraine, regional stability in Asia, and arms control issues. China has positioned itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict while maintaining close ties with Moscow. European partners have urged Beijing to use its influence with Russia to end the war.
The China-NATO dialogue carries particular significance given the alliance’s increasing focus on the Indo-Pacific region. NATO has deepened partnerships with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Beijing views this trend with concern, seeing it as potential encirclement.
The China-Switzerland dialogue represents a long-standing bilateral defense relationship. Bern has traditionally served as a mediator between conflicting parties. Moreover, Switzerland hosts the annual Munich Security Conference, a major forum for defense discussions.
European participants likely raised concerns about China’s military activities in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Beijing maintains its position that these matters are China’s internal affairs. The delegation likely reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes.
The timing of the visit follows recent high-level European trips to Beijing. Several European leaders have visited China in recent months to discuss trade and security matters. This defense delegation’s trip complements those political engagements.
Expert observers note that such dialogues do not necessarily produce immediate breakthroughs. However, they maintain communication channels that can prevent misunderstandings during crises. Regular engagement also builds familiarity between defense officials from different countries.
The Chinese defense ministry’s public confirmation of the visit suggests transparency about these engagements. Beijing has sometimes been opaque about its military-to-military contacts. This public announcement signals willingness to be open about such dialogues. Consequently, European partners can view these meetings as genuine rather than performative.
European participants likely appreciated the opportunity to discuss security concerns directly with Chinese counterparts. Face-to-face meetings allow for nuanced exchanges that written communications cannot replicate. The delegation’s visit also demonstrated China’s willingness to invest in these relationships.
Chinese defense ministry delegation held multiple security dialogues with European partners during a week-long visit from March 23 to 29. The delegation participated in the 15th China-EU dialogue, the 9th China-NATO dialogue, and the 15th China-Switzerland dialogue. Participants conducted in-depth exchanges on international and regional security situations. The visit maintained communication channels between Beijing and European capitals. Future dialogues will likely continue along this established pattern.
