More than 270 years ago, the Swedish merchant ship East Indiaman Gotheborg set sail for China, heralding Sino-Swedish maritime Silk Road cooperation. The Gotheborg returned with Chinese products such as silk, porcelain and tea that the Swedes fell in love with. It triggered a "China fever", as evident from the construction of a Chinese pavilion at the Drottningholm Palace on Lovon Island, a summer palace built in Chinese style, and the rise of sinology in Sweden.

Almost two centuries later, on May 9, 1950, Sweden became the first Western country to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Since then, Sweden has supported restoration of China's lawful seat at the United Nations, conducted friendly exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields and made positive contributions to China's economic development, reform, opening-up and modernization. China has always regarded Sweden as a friend and an important trade partner. Sweden became one of the first Western countries to sign intergovernmental agreements on economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation with China.

The two countries are now each other's largest trading partners in northern Europe and Asia. In 2018, bilateral trade reached $17.15 billion, a record year-on-year rise of 15 percent. China is also Sweden's largest trading partner outside of the European Union. In recent years, China-Sweden cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has made positive progress, with the introduction of more direct China-Sweden flights and freight trains.

Exchanges in the education, science and technology and cultural fields between the two countries are expanding. Inter-governmental mechanisms such as the joint commission on science and technology and the dialogue on education policies are working well. And more than 9,000 Chinese students are studying in Sweden.

The nearly 70-year development of Sino-Swedish ties proves that China and Sweden have no past enmity, nor problems left over by history or conflict of interests. Instead, mutual interests have enabled the countries to cooperate for mutual development.

During my two years as ambassador to Sweden, many friends told me that the vast majority of Swedish people admire China's development, view China positively and are willing to expand friendly cooperation with China.

One cannot miss the friendly feeling ordinary Swedish people have for China and the Swedish business community's enthusiasm to expand cooperation.

As we approach the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, China is ready to work with its Swedish friends to achieve the original goal of building on past achievements and pushing for the stable development of bilateral ties. Here are four principles they can adhere to.

First, mutual respect, equality and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. The nearly 70-year history of Sino-Swedish ties tells us that as long as we follow this principle, our relations will develop smoothly and cooperation will be fruitful.

China values objectivity, justice, respect and equality, and for it the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are the cornerstone of bilateral relations. It is also committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind while firmly defending its legitimate rights and interests and resolutely opposing any outside force's interference in China's internal affairs or infringement on its interests.

China thus hopes that some disruptive forces, media and personages in Sweden would abandon the Cold War mentality and view China objectively, while also respecting the independent choice of the Chinese people.

China hopes Sweden will join it in practicing the principle of mutual respect, equality and noninterference in each other's internal affairs, and resolving long-term differences in a constructive way so as to strengthen the foundation for steady development of bilateral ties.

Second, understanding is a prerequisite for cooperation. It is easy to trigger misunderstandings, prejudices and even estrangement, so only by deepening mutual understanding can we move forward together. China is a big country with population of more than 1.3 billion, 5,000-year history, 9.6 million square kilometers of land area, and 56 ethnic groups. To enhance mutual understanding, we need to engage in contact, dialogue, communication and mutual learning. China is ready to strengthen friendly exchanges with Sweden in various fields, conduct visits at various levels and open more communication channels to create more favorable conditions for mutual understanding.

Third, win-win cooperation should be the goal. China and Sweden share the same development philosophy and have huge cooperation potential. China is vigorously pursuing innovative, coordinated, green and open development to promote high-quality economic development to people's demand for a better life. Sweden, the "country of innovation", was the first to put forward the concept of sustainable development and has developed advanced ideas, technologies and experience in innovation, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Cooperation between the two sides can achieve the effect of "1+1> 2". The two sides should actively engage their enterprises to pursue opening-up, identify areas of interests, expand cooperation in energy conservation, emission reduction, environmental protection, smart cities, biotechnology and high-end manufacturing to achieve a win-win situation.

Adhering to the principles of open, green and inclusive development, the Belt and Road Initiative meets the needs of the countries, thus providing broad space for bilateral, tripartite and multi-party cooperation. China welcomes Sweden's active participation and shared cooperation opportunities.

Fourth, joint efforts should be made to boost multilateral cooperation. Both China and Sweden are peace-loving countries firmly committed to maintaining world peace and stability. Both stand for resolving hotspot issues through political dialogue while firmly opposing war. They support multilateralism, oppose unilateralism and actively participate in international programs to address climate change and other global challenges. Both countries advocate free trade and open development, oppose protectionism and firmly uphold the multilateral trading system.

In the background of increasing uncertainties in the world, China and Sweden should strengthen cooperation, support the UN to play a leading role in international affairs, support an open world economy, oppose all forms of unilateral and bullying behavior, and actively contribute to maintaining world peace, stability and prosperity.

China looks forward to deepening cooperation with Sweden. We will stay true to our original aspiration and jointly usher in a better future.

The author is China's ambassador to Sweden.

The author contributed this article to China Watch exclusively. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

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