I. Political Relations

Sweden recognized the People's Republic of China on 14th January 1950 and was the first western country to establish diplomatic relations with China, which took place on 9th May 1950. The two countries exchanged ambassadors in the same year. General Geng Biao was the first Chinese ambassador to Sweden.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Sino-Swedish relations have developed steadily. Bilateral exchanges and cooperation at various levels in the fields of politics, economy and culture have increased constantly and achieved remarkable results.

During the 1950s, Sweden supported consistently the restoration of China's legitimate seat in the UN.

Ministerial contacts between the two countries increased gradually in the 1960s and 1970s. Bilateral relations witnessed a rapid development in the 1980s. The King of Sweden HM Carl XVI Gustaf, Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Parliament paid visits to China successively and Chinese Premier, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) visited Sweden.

Since 1992, Sino-Swedish relations have developed continuously. There have been more frequent exchanges of high level visits and more exchanges and cooperation at various levels between various government departments, which have enhanced the mutual understanding and friendly relations between the two countries. The main Swedish visitors to China are: Vice Prime Minister Mr. Bengt Westberg (1993), Foreign Minister Ms. Lena Hjelm-Wallen (1995), Prime Minister Mr. Goran Persson (1996) and Vice Prime Minister Mona Sahlin (1995, also participated in the UN's Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing). Major visits to Sweden paid by the Chinese leaders are: Vice-Premier Tian Jiyun and Zhu Rongji (1992), Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen (1993), Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC Li Ruihuan (1994), Vice-Premier Li Lanqing (1995), Vice-Premier Zou Jiahua (1996), Vice-Premier Wu Banguo (1997), Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan (1999). On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sweden in May 2000, the president of two sides exchanged congratulatory messages and the Swedish vice Prime Minister Lena Hjelm-Wallen visited China.