China and Denmark Agree to Expand Green and Trade Cooperation

Copenhagen, China and Denmark have expressed their commitment to expanding trade and investment while deepening practical cooperation in scientific research, innovation, green shipping and health care.

The agreement was reached during talks in Copenhagen on Thursday between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. The two sides also agreed to begin discussions on a new version of their green joint work programme. Wang is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Highlighting the long history of exchanges between China and Denmark, Wang said Denmark had achieved several notable “firsts” in bilateral relations. It was the first Nordic country to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China and the first to create a green transition cooperation mechanism with China.

He also recalled that Denmark’s then Queen Margrethe II was the first Western head of state to visit China after the country launched its reform and opening-up policy.

China and Denmark marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. Wang said China was ready to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen dialogue and cooperation among government departments and across different sectors.

China, Denmark’s largest trading partner in Asia, also seeks to expand exchanges in education, culture, tourism, youth affairs and sports, Wang said. Such cooperation would enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and add new dimensions to the China–Denmark comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang welcomed Danish companies to continue investing in China and expressed hope that Denmark would provide an open, fair and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises.

He said both sides should jointly safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations. China appreciates Denmark’s adherence to the one-China principle and supports Denmark in protecting its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added.

According to Wang, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity conforms with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic norms governing international relations.

As members of the UN Security Council, China and Denmark both support multilateralism, uphold international law and advocate the central role of the United Nations in global affairs, Wang said.

He called on the two countries to strengthen communication and coordination, contribute to a more just and equitable global governance system and oppose all forms of unilateralism and coercive pressure.

Wang also said China and the European Union are partners rather than rivals, and that cooperation should remain the defining feature of China–EU relations. He expressed hope that Denmark would play a constructive role in promoting the sound and steady development of relations between China and the European Union.

Rasmussen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to the one-China policy and said his country looked forward to maintaining exchanges with China at all levels and continuing open and candid dialogue.

He said Denmark was ready to explore a new version of the green joint work programme and expand cooperation in trade, the economy, culture, health and education.

Danish companies remain confident in China’s development prospects and are willing to maintain a long-term presence in the Chinese market, Rasmussen said.

At a time of growing global uncertainty, Denmark attaches importance to China’s role as a major country and is prepared to strengthen communication and coordination through the United Nations and other multilateral platforms, he added.

Rasmussen said Denmark would support multilateralism and free trade, work with China to address global challenges and play a positive role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between China and the European Union.

Wang’s visit marked the first trip to Denmark by a Chinese foreign minister in 15 years. His Nordic tour from July 2 to 8 also includes Sweden, Finland and Norway.