The key facts

  • Wang Yi proposed that Iceland expand cooperation in trade, geothermal energy, the green transition, maritime affairs and the Arctic
  • Iceland's foreign minister is in China from Monday to Saturday and will bring a delegation of companies to a seafood exhibition in Qingdao
  • In 2024, trade turnover between the two countries amounted to 443 million dollars, according to China's Foreign Ministry

Meeting in Beijing against the backdrop of an anniversary in relations

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed that Iceland strengthen cooperation in trade and the economy, geothermal energy, the green transition, maritime affairs and the Arctic. The statement was made at his meeting with Iceland's Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir in Beijing on Thursday, Anadolu reports, citing a statement by China's Foreign Ministry. This year the two countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, established in 1971.

What exactly was proposed

According to Wang Yi, China is ready to 'share development opportunities' with Iceland and to explore the potential for cooperation. He also called for expanding exchanges in tourism, joint scientific research and personnel training, as well as for more actively developing people-to-people contacts. In the context of a 'turbulent international situation,' the head of Chinese diplomacy urged both sides to jointly uphold multilateralism, international law and the central role of the United Nations, and to promote the formation of a 'more just system of global governance' — these formulations are cited by Anadolu based on materials from China's foreign ministry.

Context of the visit and trade ties

Gunnarsdottir's visit to China runs from Monday to Saturday. She will also lead a delegation of Icelandic companies to a seafood exhibition in Qingdao, in the eastern province of Shandong. China has become Iceland's largest trading partner in Asia; in April 2013 the two countries signed a free trade agreement — the first between China and a European state — which entered into force on July 1, 2014. According to China's Foreign Ministry, bilateral trade turnover in 2024 amounted to 443 million dollars. The Chinese side's statement about its readiness to deepen cooperation, including on Arctic issues, reflects Beijing's position; the publication does not report on Iceland's response to the specific proposals.