NEWS BRIEF
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to use Beijing’s close ties with Russia to promote “a just and lasting peace” in Ukraine during his first visit to China in almost 10 years. In appealing to China to act as a mediator, Montenegro also tried to forge stronger economic ties, thanking Beijing for previous investment lifelines but standing strong on security restrictions, such as banning 5G. The trip underlines Europe’s delicate balance: seeking Chinese capital while pressing Xi over his alignment with Russia.
WHAT HAPPENED
- In Beijing, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro urged Xi Jinping to use China’s close relationship with Moscow to press for a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
- The trip marks the first visit to China by a Portuguese head of government in nearly a decade, underscoring a renewed push for engagement.
- Facing export losses from U.S. tariffs, Lisbon is seeking stronger commercial ties with Beijing as it diversifies economic partnerships.
- Montenegro thanked China for investing heavily in Portugal during its 2011–2014 financial crisis, which helped stabilize the economy.
- Despite robust investment links, Portugal has upheld its ban on Chinese firms in its 5G network, signaling lingering security concerns.
WHY IT MATTERS
- China’s sway on Russia: Portugal joins other EU states in pressuring Xi to act as a mediator in Ukraine, though Beijing steered clear of condemning Moscow.
- Europe-China balancing act: Lisbon seeks economic benefits from China while aligning with the EU skepticism on overcapacity, subsidies and tech-security risks.
- Symbolic timing: The visit followed Xi’s military parade with Putin and Kim, and cast fresh doubts on Beijing’s credibility as a neutral peace broker.
IMPLICATIONS
- Diplomatic signaling to EU: Portugal’s outreach may soften Beijing’s image in Europe, complicating EU efforts to take a harder line on China.
- China as indispensable investor: Lisbon’s reliance on Chinese FDI underscores how even smaller EU states remain economically tethered to Beijing.
- Limits of mediation: Xi’s embrace of Russia and North Korea suggests Beijing is unlikely to exert meaningful pressure on Moscow, frustrating EU expectations.
- Portugal’s dual strategy: By visiting both China and Japan, Lisbon is hedging — seeking Chinese capital while deepening ties with another Asian power aligned with the West.
This briefing is based on information from Reuters.
