Expert: Expulsion of China's ambassador makes cooperation difficult

Representatives of several Swedish media companies believe that the Chinese embassy subjected them to extensive influence attempts, according to a survey conducted by SVT News. Foreign Minister Ann Linde (S) is critical of the ambassador's actions and has called him for talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As SVT News previously stated, Ambassador Gui Conyou has been called at least 40 times in 2019 for various reasons.

The Left Party, the Christian Democrats and the Sweden Democrats demand that China's ambassador Gui Conyou be declared persona non grata - undesirable - and expelled from the country. The government rejects this measure and would rather maintain direct contact with China.

What would happen if Sweden decides to declare the ambassador persona non grata? According to the diplomatic rules, Sweden's ambassador to Beijing will then be expelled from China. Our country would then be represented by a so-called chargé d'affaires, a temporary missionary.

"It would further weaken the already bad relations, give Sweden less access to important decision-makers in China and go beyond our cooperation in various areas, such as trade and environmental issues," says Börje Ljunggren, former ambassador to Beijing and China expert.

Sweden and the Czech Republic are the EU countries that have the worst relations with China. A two-city agreement between Prague and Beijing has been terminated following a wording on Taiwan's status.

Following the nerve gas strike in British Salisbury 2018, around ten EU countries jointly decided to expel Russian diplomats. Sweden then expelled a diplomat after EU consultation.

- Ambassador Gui Conyou's actions in Sweden are unparalleled. But it is important to remember that he represents his country, and China's leadership has confirmed that they have confidence in him. It is better to act jointly within the EU, says Börje Ljunggren.

Expelling the ambassador is not the right way to go, the Moderates say.

- Casting out an ambassador will not change China's relationship with Sweden. A better way is to have a common approach to China with other equality thinking, says Hans Wallmark, foreign policy spokesman for the Moderates.