Nieuwsblad: It's an honor to be able to be here and interview you. As you know, it's a special year.This year, when it comes to the China-Belgium diplomatic relationships, it's the 55th anniversary of the diplomacy between our two countries.And I want to ask you, how would you describe the current state of the China-Belgium diplomatic relations?

FEI Shengchao: Thank you for coming and thank you for mentioning that this year, 2026 is actually a quite special year because it marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two countries. You asked about the current state of the relationship, I would say that this relationship is good and it can be even better.

Nieuwsblad: How could it be even better?

FEI Shengchao: It's good because it's already a 55 year long diplomatic relationship. Over the past 55 years, we have done a lot in this bilateral relationship, delivering tangible benefits to both the Chinese and Belgian peoples. Our political relationship, our economic relationship, our cultural relationship and our people-to-people relationship have all grown over the past 55 years.About how it could be even better, I think there is every reason for this relationship to be even better. There is already a solid basis for us to build on and make it better and better. This is what is required not only by our two countries, two governments or two peoples, but also by the changing times we all face. We need a even better relationship.

Nieuwsblad:And that has changed. What do you think, Mr. Ambassador, China sometimes misunderstands about Europe and particularly Belgium?

FEI Shengchao: Probably we do have a pretty good understanding of Belgium and Europe. But I mean, among the diplomatic circles and probably among the political leadership in China.For the Chinese public, if you’d like to ask what might be the misunderstanding of the Chinese towards Belgium or Europe, I would say that probably most of the Chinese back home in China would take for granted that Belgium and Europe is a friend, and the Belgians and the Europeans, they would take for granted, would see China and Chinese as friends and partners.

Nieuwsblad: We'll come back to that later. Mr. Ambassador, may I ask you about Bart De Wever? What do you think of Bart De Wever?

FEI Shengchao:Bart De Wever is the Prime Minister of this country, the Kingdom of Belgium, and certainly being a leader of this country. Certainly we do respect him and also, as a matter of fact, I think high level exchanges do play an important role in moving this relationship forward over the past 55 years. Certainly, Prime Minister Bart De Wever played that role too.Just after he took office early last yearin summer, he played host to the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They two did have a pretty good meeting. And later on that visiting Chinese Foreign Minister also had a good meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. So I think he's a leader of Belgium.

Nieuwsblad: What do you think about his recent letter? As you know that he has been writing to the European Commission about what he sees as an unfair Chinese competition. I will quote him in his letter. He was saying that China is damaging Europe's economy and it's no longer merely a competitor but a rival. What do you think about such a language of our Prime Minister?

FEI Shengchao:We are aware of the letter and as soon as we learn about the letter, we certainly had communication with the Belgian side. And what we learned that certainly the Prime Minister has his views about the economic policies and the domestic economic situation in Belgium and in Europe. But we were also assured that the Belgian government and even Belgian leaders may be entitled to have his or her own views, no problem. At the same time, they hold nothing against China. And also I know there is a lot of media coverage of that so-called letter. I was also assured that many of the new stories covered by many of those media are simply not true.The letter is not as long as all those reports combined.

Nieuwsblad: OK. But there is a letter.

FEI Shengchao: There is a letter. That's true.

Nieuwsblad: And it was firm language.

FEI Shengchao: There is firm language, but nothing against China.

Nieuwsblad: So it's a bit exaggerated, you mean?

FEI Shengchao: I haven't read the letter myself, but that's what I've learned from my Belgian friends.

Nieuwsblad: I understand completely. Besides the letter, they are general concerns, you could say, of Belgian politicians, European leaders in general, about unfair competition, overcapacity, industrial subsidies. Do you understand Europe's concerns?

FEI Shengchao: We understand why Europe may have these concerns. As you said, the firm language used by Belgian leaders. I think that if those words are true, probably they are also under the influence of what you have described just now, about the concerns here. Those are the catchwords in the media here. What I have to say is that we understand why there are so many concerns.At the same time, I think that most of those concerns actually are misplaced or actually based on misinformation, rather than the facts on the ground. I can share with you some figures, for example, that China-EU trade last year already passed USD 800 billion. About the trade imbalances, the two sides have different figures.But even if we follow the European figures, it would still show that Europe last year did export more than USD 200 billion to China. In cargo trade, the EU did run a deficit. But in services trade, the EUdid enjoy a massive trade surplus is its trade with China, that is the truth on the ground.Take Belgium for example, last year, we know what the trade situation was like. The international community is very much concerned about this. But despite all the negative factors, last year, China-Belgium trade did grow. We had positive growth in our trade. Positive growth not only in Chinese exports to Belgium, but also in Belgian exports to China.So these are the things seldom reported in the media here.

Nieuwsblad: But there remains a big imbalance, even when the figures would differ. There remains a massive imbalance in the trade between the two countries and, in the view of Belgian and European leaders, is because of Chinese policy that they create that unfair competition.

FEI Shengchao: If I may, I have huge respect for the leadership here and also in Europe. At the same time, I do not agree with each and every point they make. I think that for the trade imbalances, for both the Chinese side and the European side and Belgian side, there's no denial from any party that this imbalance is big.Yeah, for either figures it's big. But also, as I said, in cargo trade and in services trade, the deficit is on different sides. This is one thing. The other thing is that this imbalance is nothing new. It has been there for quite some time and it was not exactly the same case from time to time. China's economic growth, particularly the drastic economic growth over the past 40 years, we can divide it into two stages.The first stage, starting from the late 1970s till 2000 or something like that. For the first 20 years, China was the receiving end of huge trade deficit, on Chinese side, mainly from the European side. We talk a lot about the Chinese EVs and we talk about Chinese cars, but the Chinese car export rise was quite recent, just over the past two or three years.And even till this day, to Europe, its export is about 1 million cars a year. That's it. China probably took about less than 10% of the Europeans car market. But for European branded cars, not only about 40 years ago, but even till this day, it's taking a lion's share of China's car market.Chinese consumers and businesses have never seen European cars as a threat or risk. No.

Nieuwsblad: Do you understand the critique, when it's come to the EVs, that there is sort of dumping of electric vehicles in Europe because of all the subsidies, overproduction, and then the domestic demand is smaller than the production you foresee for the domestic public and then like a dumping on the European market. And then there's an unfair competition and a risk for European EVs and European factories.Do you understand that critique?

FEI Shengchao: Certainly we understand the critique, which we do not agree because I think that critique is actually lopsided. It's not based on the full facts on the ground. For example, when we talk about dumping, it's a very serious allegation. I think now it's lightly used by many without thinking seriously about the issue and learning about the issue. For example, when you talk about dumping, first of all, it means that it should be based on subsidies.And number two, it should be based on that, probably for dumping, that the country or business would like try to dump as many vehicles or products overseas as possible.For both, these are not true. Number one, most of the car exporters in China did enjoy subsidies but subsidies all consistent with WTO rules and even rules of the European Union, this is number one.So the very basis of their export is not on subsidies. Number two, the China’s car market is the biggest in the world, given China's population and economic growth. Our car market, last year, the annual market is about 28 million cars a year. As I said, just about 1 million exported to Europe. How is it called dumping?If we used the same criteria, last year, more than 50% of German cars are for exports and more than 85% of Belgian products and services are for exports. Is that overcapacity? Are there state subsidies? No, it's not. It's not with Belgium or Germany. It's not with China.

Nieuwsblad: I would ask you a difficult question, Mr. Ambassador.

FEI Shengchao: No problem.

Nieuwsblad: To try to put yourself in the shoes of Bart De Wever or Ursula von der Leyen. How would you, as Belgium or Europe, react to Chinese economic policy? How would you react being a Belgian or European leader to trade relations with China? How can Europe compete firmly against China? What would you do?

FEI Shengchao: First of all, I'm not as senior as either of the leaders you mentioned. And number two, I'm not an European. Talking back, I'm a diplomat. As I said, it's a nomadic job. A nomadic job may not be good for family, but it's good for your insights. It's good for your observation of things differently in different countries and regions.So if I were in their shoes or in the shoes of the Belgians or the Europeans, I think that certainly I would try to think hard about the real causes of these issues. If the real causes are China, then certainly it's a different story. But that is not true. People easily take China as the scapegoat for all the wrongs and things they may see in some places.It’s an easy excuse or blame, but it will not resolve the real issue.

Nieuwsblad: Mr. Ambassador, I'm going to show you a result of De Stemming, which is Dutch, which I will freely translate as The Mood. It was a recent poll conducted by University of Antwerp, but in collaboration with public broadcasters, and alsoDe Standaardnewspaper. And one of the questions was, they asked Belgian citizens how they look at different national actors, like US, like Russia, like China.And they asked, do you see China as an ally, an opponent, or none of both? I want to ask you, how much of the Belgian people you think, percentage-wise, perceive China as an ally? What will you think?

FEI Shengchao: I do not know much about the polls and statistics, but I think that I wouldn't guess that they will be a huge majority of people here who would take China as an ally because first and foremost, it's not the Chinese policy. China's policy is a non-aligned policy. So we are not an ally with any of those countries in the world.

Nieuwsblad: That's not the objective.

FEI Shengchao: That's not the objective. That's not our policy. Our policy is to develop friendly partnerships with all countries in the world.

Nieuwsblad: I'm going to show you the graph, it's 1% of the Belgian people, the Flemish people who think that they perceive China as an ally. It's the same amount for Russia. They perceive the US more as an opponent than China.The biggest opponent would be the USA. Second is China. But there are less people who think that China is an ally than people who think that the US is an ally.

FEI Shengchao: So that comes back to the very first question you asked about how what's the biggest misunderstanding of the Chinese towards Belgium and Europe. Exactly.

Nieuwsblad: Mr. Ambassador, I want to dig into the subject of alleged espionage, if that's okay for you.

FEI Shengchao: There's no taboo here. It’s free, open discussion. Whatever.

Nieuwsblad: Thank you for this.

FEI Shengchao: It's the stance of China.

Nieuwsblad: That's very much appreciated. The Belgian State Security Service, in their annual report of 2025, which was published this year, warned, as you know, about Chinese companies that could collect large amount of data of Belgian users to apps, to digital platforms. How do you look at this warning from the Belgian State Security Service?

FEI Shengchao: I understand why many of the authorities and many of the people here will take the report very seriously. I fully understand that.It’s its competence. Being a Chinese diplomat, I do not want to challenge any of the authorities here. What I would say that reports like this are really far from the facts and, in the Chinese perspective, are nothing serious.There are many serious reports here, but not any of those reports. It's actually a kind of annual practice. Every year they will come up with reports like this. But take a look at the words. You are a journalist. You know the delicacy of the words. Every time it will use the word “could”, “might”, “would”, nothing certain, nothing sure. Over so many years, under the closest scrutiny of not only Belgian media, Belgian Security Services, but also European security apparatus and our American friends, you can imagine what kind of a scrutiny, examination that could be. But so many years, so many people invested, so much money invested. Not a single piece of solid evidence of any case. And even their espionage cases, in the court, none of those cases concluded and many of the cases revoked. Why?No solid evidence.

Nieuwsblad: Maybe because the Chinese espionage is so good that they cannot be discovered.

FEI Shengchao: If you believe China is so strong in espionage, what about our American colleagues? You think that their espionage is inferior to the Chinese, to the Belgians, to the Europeans? Just think about things that make sense. This does not make sense. China is very strong in many areas, but China is not the United States.China is not Europe. Many of the blames put on China's heads simply do not fit China. Just put the hats to the original owners, not on the heads of China. China is not doing any of this, according to the allegations.Also even for many of the allegations, for example, about the cyberattacks, things like that, those are simply information or reports or even allegations imported into Belgium and Europe from elsewhere. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out why these things are imported.

Nieuwsblad: So, Mr. Ambassador, can you guarantee that Chinese companies operate in Belgium cannot, because that is what the allegation is in the reports, cannot be compelled on the Chinese law to hand over data to Chinese Secret Services?

FEI Shengchao: What I can assure you is that the Chinese companies, Chinese businesses and Chinese nationals visiting, working, staying in Belgium and Europe are required by China and the Chinese government and even by their own families to first, follow the laws of the hosting countries, and number two, also follow the laws of China, and number three, follow international conventions and international law.This would be the same requirement, I think, for many of the Belgian nationals, American nationals and European nationals traveling abroad. There is no difference. As for specific practices, if there is anything illegal, there's any malpractice, things like that,just follow the law. Do what one country, one authority needs to do, but please follow the norms we all agree to.Presumption of innocence, not presumption of guilt, and no discrimination. Follow the law and do not follow the law according to one’s nationality. That's what we require and that is what international law requires. And many of those things we learn it from Europe, from Belgium.

Nieuwsblad: So there is no such Chinese law about the handover of data between Chinese companies and the state. That doesn't exist?

FEI Shengchao: There is Belgian requirement. There is European requirement for data. There is Chinese requirement for data. If everything followslaw, there will be no problem. But no worry about unfair practices based on government institutions or instructions. We do not fear that from Belgium or Europe. You should not fear that from China. No.

Nieuwsblad: I want to ask you in a way what the Belgian citizens or readers would do with this statement, because in a way, we have our own State Services who says, there's a warning that you should take, as a Belgian citizen, seriously, and now a way you have the Chinese government, the Ambassador of China, who says that actually there's nothing to worry about, how would we trust your denial over the warnings of our own Secret Service?

FEI Shengchao: As a matter of fact, even for the Secret Service, you knowthat I may not be too happy about their report, and I think as I'm having this conversation with you, you can see how open we are, how honest we are. We are also willing and ready to have all kinds of open and honest discussions on all their concerns and allegations, if possible, with the Secret Service or any of the state apparatus here.We are completely open. Instead, they keep making reports like this, but I don't think they are as open and honest as in conversations we are having today.

Nieuwsblad: Mr. Ambassador, besides that report, there is, as you know, also the judicial investigation that was opened in Belgium after the allegations that alleged Chinese state hackers compromised part of the email traffic of our Secret Service. What do you think of those allegations?

FEI Shengchao: Not new allegation.I couldn't help laughing when I read the report. First of all, what's the need, if any, for Belgium to employ 2000 agents to spy on China or to spy on Chinese diplomats here? Not necessary. Of course, it's up to you. But secondly, I read the information and read the allegation and the report.I found that actually it's reportedly due to a kind of mistake made by an American security company who is in charge of security for the State Secret Services here. And then the allegation is not homegrown here in Belgium. It's our American friends telling our Belgian friends that your information is spied by China and we cannot keep it safe. So it's absurd, in my view.That's why I couldn't help laughing. And why would people, like the Belgian people who are really well educated and well informed, would buy things like this? So I don't think it's really based on facts or evidence, whatsoever.

Nieuwsblad: So in this case, there is no involvement whatsoever of Chinese state actors.

FEI Shengchao: There's no such kind of allegation backed by any of those things. And all those are just reports, I would say. And it's untrue. It's absurd.

Nieuwsblad: So also, in the end, no evidence will be found that could be linked to Chinese state espionage.

FEI Shengchao: If there's any evidence, show us. And let's talk about it, let's figure it out, sort it out. We do have 55 years of diplomatic relationship. We have mature channels of communication. We can sort things out and we can talk about whatever issues, just as we talk about whatever things we may like. The same thing. We do not find another country, another authority to talk through our concerns.

Nieuwsblad: Understand that is not the case, Mr. Ambassador, but if Belgian authorities would conclude that indeed they are Chinese state hackers, that they target Belgian institutions, what consequences would that have for our diplomatic relations, our 55 years of diplomacy.

FEI Shengchao: Might be trouble, but also, please think about the things you read twice before you jump to any conclusions. We know that this is actually an environment full of misinformation about China. China is the hot topic, but China is the country that is leastly objectively covered by many of the media here. It's not simply because of stereotypes or biases, more about lack of understanding and lack of the real experience in China.So I think this is the thing I would like to stress most.

Nieuwsblad: The lack of understanding, how could we, as journalists or Belgian citizens, better understand China? Is it, as you say, to go to China? Is that your main message you want to give to Belgian audiences?

FEI Shengchao: Indeed, seeing is believing. Of course, no one can travel to all places and media do play a very important role. But I think that no matter how best a job media can do, it cannot replace real experience, in a scenario, in a country, in a region, and particularly in a country and region that is now seemingly so important to many of us here.

Nieuwsblad: I want to dig into the subject of Taiwan, Mr. Ambassador. I wonder how you look at the year 2049 when it comes to the reunification with Taiwan, because President Xi has linked China's national rejuvenation to the reunification with Taiwan. And I wonder if you would interpret that that date is the objective to do the unification with Taiwan, 2049.

FEI Shengchao: Taiwan is a very important issue. Actually, Taiwan is the most important issue in the hearts and minds of many in China, because among the P5, the permanent members of the UN Security Council, China is the only one that's yet to be fully reunified. The current state in the Straits is actually a result of the Civil War in China back in 1949. So the Chinese, on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, share this aspiration of peace, unity and prosperity together. So the national reunification is a most ardent pursuit of the Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. I think that we set a two-step strategy for our economic and social development in the coming decades, and certainly the first step would be 2035when we will basically modernize China. This year marks the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan of China,we're going to have the 16th, we are going to have the 17th Five-Year Plans and so all the way to 2049. So these are our strategic objectives for our overall national development. Taiwan, we see it as such an important issue.So Taiwan cannot be separated. Taiwan will be reunified. This is a destiny for the Chinese nation. And also, this is actually the biggest contributor to lasting peace and stability in the region and in the world as a whole. We have 55 years of diplomatic relations, so we had this diplomatic relationship established back in 1971 on the 25 of October. That date is exactly when the UNGA Resolution 2758 was adopted in New York, putting China back in the UN Security Council and also restoring China's legitimate right in the international institutions. So I think that it's now a consensus of the international community. It's also the long-held position of the Chinese government and people that there's only one China.Taiwan is part of China and the government of the

People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China.

Nieuwsblad: Understand that’s very important for China. Understand that 2049 is also very important for China. But it's not the goal to have that done by 2049. That's not the goal?

FEI Shengchao: The Chinese resolve of reunifying the country is rock solid. As for the timing, as for the format of reunification, we Chinese have a history of over 5000years. So we are known for our patience. We are known for our resourcefulness. So we are open to all avenues. The best way, certainly we would like to see peaceful reunification, but at the same time, we do not allow anyone to put their noses intoChinese domestic affairs.That is true with China, with Chinese. That is also true in Belgium, in Europe and in the States.

Nieuwsblad: You speak about peace and stability, which I understand. On the other hand, it seems that Chinese government systematically refuses to rule out the use of force when it comes to reunification with Taiwan. How can you reconcile those two matters? Peace and stability, but not wanting to rule out the use of force?

FEI Shengchao: We make it very clear. First,our policy on Taiwan is consistent and clear-cut. We would like to do whatever is possible for peaceful reunification. And One country, Two systems could be a very good formula. Number two, that we would reserve the use of all other means to restore the national unity of China, and most notably for two scenarios.One scenario is for Taiwan, if Taiwan is to go independent, this is one. The other is China's reunification is subject to foreign threat, or foreigners who would like to interfere in China's reunification. So these are the most two dangerous scenarios.

Nieuwsblad: And those are the only two scenarios where you would like to?

FEI Shengchao: Those are the two scenarios we have in mind in reserving our right to all avenues.That's why when people talk about the status quo in the Taiwan Straits, I would say now the most valuable status quo is one China. One China is the status quo in the Taiwan Straits. If we can keep this one China, then certainly no worry about peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.Otherwise, that would pose probably a real danger to peace and stability in the strait. That's also a message we've put across in the just concluded China-USsummit.

Nieuwsblad: What do you think about the summit?

FEI Shengchao: I think it's a good summit because after the summit, both presidents agree to actually characterize this relationship between China and the United States as a constructive relationship of strategic stability. All these words are very much needed in today's environment.Given the challenges and problems there may be between these two countries, it's not going to take just one summit or just two days to resolve all of them.But what is most important in a very fluid situation as we see it now, is to see a stable and certain relationship, including political, military and economic relationship between these two large countries in the world. So I think it makes a lot of sense and it's a quite successful visit in stabilizing this relationship. With China-US relationship in a stable state, it will be much easier for many other countries to think about and plan for their political, economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Nieuwsblad: When it comes to the summit, Belgian, European journalists perceive it as even a victory of China, a victory of President Xi over Trump. It seems that he was even able to make Trump hesitant on the military support for Taiwan. When Trump or America would foresee with that military support, what would the consequences be for China?What would that mean for China?

FEI Shengchao: We have been categorically and totally opposed to any foreign interference in the issue of Taiwan and in sending arms to Taiwan. We’ve made it clear to our American friends over the past decades and certainly during the summit as well. I think the message has been put across. I wouldn't categorize this visit as a one-sided victory.I think it's a victory for both countries, China and the United States, and it's a victory for the whole world. Of course, it's not a victory once and for all, for good. But certainly it's a victory in stabilizing the international situation and the current world where certainty and stability have become a rare asset.

Nieuwsblad: Mr. Ambassador, you have spoken about the international consensus on Taiwan which can be criticized in a way, that view on international consensus. But I want to dig into the Taiwan position of Belgium and how you look of that, because Belgium follows the oneChina policy, but it maintains practical, unofficial relations with Taiwan, contacts. Where exactly does Beijing draw the line, which Belgiancontactand ties with Taiwan are acceptable and which are not?

FEI Shengchao: I think that this is not a difficult question. Because we all mentioned that this year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two countries and our two countries established this relationship exactly on the date of the adoption of UNGA Resolution 2758. It may not be a coincidence, which means we premise this relationship on our consensus on Taiwan, that is one China policy.As for what can be done and what cannot be done for Belgium and our other partners around the world, it's crystal clear. What we are opposed is a so-called diplomatic or official ties with Taiwan. At the same time, you can travel. You can do business. You can have cultural exchanges, no doubt. But what we warn our partners around the world against is that our compatriots on the island of Taiwan, because some of them are very active in engaging in “Taiwan independence” separatist activities.So we would like to warn our partners against their plots to actually camouflage their “Taiwan independence” agenda and movement under the cultural, business and other areas of cooperation and exchanges, because that could be dangerous. I think many of our Belgian friends probably already find out that when you think that it's a cultural tool, when you think that it's nothing official, and certainly you will find yourself in the headlines of the Taiwan authorities or media there that you are supporting “Taiwan independence”.So that's the message we would like to put across.

Nieuwsblad: That would be like, unconsciously, Belgian context would be in that.

FEI Shengchao: Being abused.

Nieuwsblad: Being abused. It's not that you have indications that Belgian politicians or Belgian companies support the independence agenda themselves.

FEI Shengchao: Indeed. And at the same time, certainly that I hope that all our Belgian friends, businesses, also students and all the people here would really be aware of the delicate situation concerning Taiwan. Indeed.

Nieuwsblad: When it comes to your country, yourself, you and the Chinese government, you speak a lot about respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and not minding domestic affairs. I want to ask how that principle apply to Ukraine.

FEI Shengchao: That principle is enshrined in the UN charter. If we date it back to even earlier times,it could be also one of the greatest inventions of Europe. It started in Europe. Sovereign equality. Territorial integrity. Indeed. And this principle is enshrined in the UN Charter and is respected and even admired in many parts of the world, not only in Europe, in America, in Asia, in Africa. Why? Because it's the principle that will protect the vulnerable, the weak, the smaller nations. So I think that this is a principle we need to continue to stick to. It's good for everybody. So when you ask about whether this principle should apply to a particular country, it applies to all countries.That's why ever since the start of the conflict there and elsewhere, we make it no exception that we should call people to take a closer look back at the UN Charter and follow the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Nieuwsblad: When it comes to Ukraine, we see the start of the war as a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integration of Ukraine. You don't look at it the same way, I presume.

FEI Shengchao: I think we make it very clear about the Chinese position. We do not take sides, but we take side under international law. And as for whether this international law is upheld or not, we should take into account really the context in the very beginning of this conflict. And at the same time, this principle enshrined in the UN charter should be respected. That is our position.

Nieuwsblad: But Russian invasion in Ukraine is another violation, according to you, to international law.

FEI Shengchao: Whether it's a violation or not, I think that time and the reality on the ground will tell, but I think thatwill not change the international law and thatwill not change the stance of countries, including China, on the international law, and the very principle we talk about.

Nieuwsblad: To understand correctly, the outcome of the war will decide whether the invasion wasrightful or not?

FEI Shengchao: If it's as simple as that, if we just give a characterization to a certain conflict and the conflict will be resolved, then let's just do it. It's not the case. I think what is most important for now, it's been there for quite a number of years now and new conflicts are flaring up. What is most important is we try to provide more certainty and stability back into the international order and try to put people's attention back to the very principle you talk about, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we should say no categorically to double standards. That will boost the authority of international law and the very principles we all treasure. If it applies really to everybody, there will be growing support for the very principle and its application to all nations in this world.

Nieuwsblad: Do you see double standards?

FEI Shengchao:Of course. It's not I see it, many people see it. Even many of our Belgian friends and European friends do see it, and let alone the huge voices aired by people in the Global South.

Nieuwsblad: In what way do you see double standards when it comes to the Russian war in Ukraine?

FEI Shengchao:It's not about just one conflict. It's about the conflicts. If we do not date back 100 years, if we date back 10 years, 20 years, 30 years from now, you could see that how many times operations have been done against that very principle, and even as we speak, things are happening in some other hot spots in today's world. No one can really achieve absolute security for oneself at the expense of security of others. Just like in a neighborhood, you cannot just rely on your guards or high fences to protect you from dangers in a very dangerous neighborhood. It’s the contrary, one would work together with neighbors to make a safer, more prosperous neighborhood, to feel safer. That's the way forward for China, for Europe, for the States, for many other players in the world.

Nieuwsblad: A common critique on China when it comes to the war in Ukraine is the idea that if China genuinely wants peace, why has it not usedthe influence it has over Moscow more visibly to pressure Putin to end his war?

FEI Shengchao:Let's be fair. If it's only Putin's discretion, this conflict should have been over long ago. It involves so many parties. It involves so huge stakes. So it's a very complicated issue. A complicated issue cannot have a simple and quick solution. But what we can do? China is a very strong country. So is Europe. We are strong. We are good countries.But we are not capable of single-handedly ending any of the conflicts, either there or elsewhere. We need to call on the international community to work together. And it's not just for one country, even for many other countries. You cannot dictate what you wish and have your will accomplished. What is important for us is we do have common ground, China and Europe, and Belgium. A political, peaceful solution to the issue with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. But what we need to do now is what we are capable of trying to create a more favorable environment for dialogue, for communication, rather than adding fuel to the flames.

Nieuwsblad: It's not my objective to add fuel to the flames. But I want to ask you a very key question, Mr. Ambassador. Does China view the war in Ukraine as a Russian invasion like Belgium and the European Union? Does, or does it view the war in Ukraine as Russia's special military operation like Moscow does?

FEI Shengchao:I understand probably there is a consensus here within the European Union, 27 member states and some of your allies as well. Seems to be a lot. But if you take into account the international community, in its real sense, 180 countries and regions in the world, your view is actually a minority view. The vast number of the international community would not call this issue as simple as that.It's not that they are not respecting the UN charter. It's not that they do not take a position. It's that they do not think that simply by categorizing this conflict in a certain way would help resolve the conflict. As we know what is happening in the Gulf, a conflict in the Gulf is taking a toll on everybody. The Ukrainian crisis has also taken its toll on many countries far away from this part of Europe, including China.The last thing we would like to see is this conflict continue. The first thing we would like to see is a quick and political solution to the issue, if not a long-term solution, at least a kind of cease fire or things like peace and stability restored for a moment. Dialogue is far better than conflict.

Nieuwsblad: Can I understand and conclude that you don't want to call it an invasion?

FEI Shengchao:It's a categorical characterization of the media, not from the Chinese Embassy. No.

Nieuwsblad: That's very clear.Quickly to sum up this theme, I want to dig into very quickly on the relations between China and Russia when it comes to current talks about deepening energy and technology cooperation. You have the discussions about the Power of Siberia 2. The European critic on that is that they see China now helping Russia compensate for the European market they lost because of the war in Ukraine.How do you look at that criticism?

FEI Shengchao:I understand why such concerns may exist, but I don't think they are actually based on facts. As a matter of fact, as I said already, that both Russia and Ukraine are good friends of China and partners. So is Europe and so are European countries. The last thing we would like to see is our good friends fighting each other.We would like to be in good terms with all our good friends. If they fight each other, we find ourselves in a difficult position. That is not only true with China, that is also true with many other countries in Asia, in Africa, so on and so forth. So I think that we would like to see this conflict coming to an end as quickly as possible.And we would like to see actually dialogue held between Europe and Russia. This is important if you really care about the market shares, about energy supplies from Russia, talk to the Russians yourselves. You don't have to listen to others. Listen to yourselves.

Nieuwsblad: You touched upon the current crisis in the Middle East. How does China look today at that current situation? What are their stakes? What are your fears?

FEI Shengchao:The stakes are high for the Gulf states, peace and stability, first and foremost, would have an immediate impact on the close proximity of the conflict.It’s very unfortunate the conflict has flared up again. So it's very concerning to many.I think that in addition to the immediate impact, the impact is also going to be felt worldwide. The conflict has been there for quite a number of months now. If the current situation continues to evolve this way, then it will pose a bigger problem to the countries in the Gulf and beyond. So I think that on this issue, China and Europe also share broad common ground. We need to work together to try to persuade the parties involved to come back to their senses and really try to de-escalate rather than escalate and seek a political solution to the issue as quickly as possible.

Nieuwsblad: Some analysts think that the global crisis in the Middle East could also mean a geopolitical opportunity for Beijing. The rise in green technology and green energy will come because of this crisis, and China is leading that market by far. Could this current crisis in the Middle East also be an opportunity geopolitically for China?

FEI Shengchao: I don't think the Chinese or the Chinese government would see it that way, because I think the biggest thing we would like to see is peace and stability in the world as a whole, and in each and every corner of the world, because China is now the largest manufacturing power in the world. We import and export a lot from and to the world.We are the world's largest trading partner and also we are the world's second largest importer of the world. So anything goes wrong in any part of the world, that will take a toll on China and on the rest of the world. As you mentioned, the green development, the green technologies and industries, I think that both China and Europe, China has learned a lot from Europe, and at the same time, China and Europe are closer partners than many would have ever thought. So I think that China and Europe would like to see the green movement gaining momentum, but neither of us would like to see the green movement gaining momentum in such a scenario. It may have some short-term boost, but it's not going to last.We would like to see a peaceful and stable environment. That will really be the biggest and the lasting factor contributing to the green development of the whole world. That's good for not only the climate, but also humanity.

Nieuwsblad: That's very clear. Mr. Ambassador. When it comes to human rights,European journalists, when they ask about human rights or criticize human rights in China, the Chinese officials often answer that that’s an internal affair, you don't need to intervene in internal affairs. Do you think that human rights are indeed an internal affair, a domestic affair?

FEI Shengchao: I think probably we need to put things in perspective.When we say we do not like others interfering in our domestic affairs, it does not mean we do not care about human rights. As you know that the Communist Party of China is the ruling party in China, I would like to talk back about the historical background of this party.The party, as we talked about the Taiwan question, Taiwan question is actually a kind of result of the Civil War in China, in that Civil War and even in the early days of the Communist Party of China, the fight for human rights, the fight for freedom, the fight for democracy, have always been the motto of the Communist Party of China.It was true then, it is still true now, and it will be even truer in the coming years and decades. Why? Because we are a party for the people. We believe in the rule of the people, inthe rule of law. We have been learning from the best of practices and the good experiences of all other nations in the world. We believe in Marxism, and Marxism started in Europe. Karl Marx, he himself spent quite a number of years in Brussels. That is the historical background that tells why China has become what it is today. We care a lot about human rights. But of course, we believe in democracy, we believe in freedom, we believe in human rights, but we do not believe there is only a one-size-fits-all democracy, freedom or human right for everybody. The European human rights, freedom and democracy work for Europe. Fine. We respect it. We learn from it. But it does not mean whatever you prefer and practice here should and must be applied in China.We pursue freedom, democracy and human rights in our own way. At the end of the day, it's not any of the “democracy Bible” or any of the classics would define whether this is a good system or not. It’s the people on the ground, whether the people are really living a better-off life or worse-off life.That will tell.

Nieuwsblad: There are indeed very different conceptions when it comes to human rights and democracy and freedom. But the criticism is that your interpretation of freedom, democracy, human rights would not be categorized as such by Belgians or Europeans.

FEI Shengchao:We fully understand. Because you have practiced this system for long and you have benefited from your own system. You are happy with the system. It's fine. We respect it. But if the Chinese system, democracy, freedom, human rights do not work, how has China become what it is today, and how the Chinese people are living a life totally different from the life they suffered from 80 years ago? Even about 45, 50 years ago, China's economy was not like what it is today.

Nieuwsblad: Maybe thanks to the violation of human rights and freedom.

FEI Shengchao: No, not at all. Exactly because we protect and raise the level of human rights, democracy and freedom in China the Chinese way. You have seen many failing examples of copying the democracy or freedom or human rights, only the European model or the American model. They did not work, but human rights, democracy and freedom are not wrong at all.They are right, but we need to have different models for different cultures, different countries.

Nieuwsblad: That's very clear, Mr. Ambassador. When it comes to human rights, we need to talk about the Uyghurs. How is the situation currently for the Uyghurs?

FEI Shengchao: The Uyghursare very important ethnic minority in China. In China, we actually have a preferential policy for the ethnic minority groups. For example, youmay be aware of the family planning policy. So for the majority ethnic group like the Han, we have many of them, we strictly follow the family planning policy, this policy has been there for decades, it's already adjusted now. But over the past a few decades, this policy, when it is adopted in ethnic minority areas, they have exceptions and they have more relaxed policies in this. This is just one. The other is that probably China is the only country, major country in this world that if you find any piece of Chinese banknotes, our currency, Chinese RMB, on the Chinese banknotes, paper banknotes, five languages are printed on the Chinese currency, including the Uyghur language.So that shows how much importance we attach to protecting the rights and interests of minority groups. And I know there is a huge misinformation and disinformation, smear campaign in this regard against the Uyghurs and against the Xinjiang region. I think the best thing is not for us to make more explanations. Just take a trip, go to Xinjiang, talk to the Uyghurs.That's the best way to do it.

Nieuwsblad: Can I? Can I travel freely to Xinjiang? Can I talk to people without supervision? Is that possible as an independent Belgian journalist?

FEI Shengchao: It's not only possible for you as a Belgian national, but also it's possible already for millions and millions of people from Europe, from America, from many other parts of the world. Go to China and see for yourself. Just go there and see and talk to the people and see the things you want.

Nieuwsblad: So you say Belgian journalists can freely travel to Xinjiang?

FEI Shengchao:Now for Belgian nationals, being a student, being a visitor, being a business person, you can travel freely with the visa waiver program, which is still in place, it's a very good opportunity. For journalists, of course, you have to apply for a journalist visa, that is required not only by China, but also the same for Chinese journalists coming to Europe.It's separate.

Nieuwsblad: Yes. But when they are accepted, as a Chinese journalist, you can travel here freely. You can talk to people without supervision. You can do your work.

FEI Shengchao: There are hundreds, even thousands of foreign journalists in China. I don't think we do have the luxury as the Secret Service here in Belgium to employ 2000 or 3000 agents to give a tail to each and every one of you. No need. Why? Just let them go. Talk freely. Why not? I think that if you really go to China, you will be surprised.

Nieuwsblad: I would love to.

FEI Shengchao: Please, do go.

Nieuwsblad: Then you can send an approval letter to grant me the accreditation.

FEI Shengchao:First, file an application.

Nieuwsblad: Yes. Mr. Ambassador, we talked about the importance of the Uyghurs for China, for Chinese government, that they are printed on the banknotes. I cannot speak for them, but maybe being stayed on the banknotes is not that important for them, but maybe they would like to make an end to the mass detention, to the forced labor, to the repression in Xinjiang.How do you look at that? I would think you would say that it's fake, but there are huge reports, extensivejournalists, of UN even, of NGOs. Is it all false reporting?

FEI Shengchao: Totally falsehood and misinformation and disinformation. Yes, there are huge reports here. Only in this part of the world.Why?There’s a reason for that. Just being a journalist, if you are interested in investigative journalism, you take a closer look at the sources of the huge piles of information, it boils down to simply one or two or a number of sources all funded by dubious institutions.

Nieuwsblad: Like UN?

FEI Shengchao:The UN has different programs. China is also on the UN Human Rights Council, and there may also be heated discussion and debate in the UN as well. But there are numerous subsidiaries or organizations under the UN playing the UN umbrella. So actually I think that the best thing to do is really to go to Xinjiang, talk to the Uyghurs.Also I think that those people doing all this smear campaign, they have a purpose to serve.

Nieuwsblad: What is that purpose?

FEI Shengchao:To demonize China and demonize anything to do with China so that everybody would continue to see China through their lenses, not their own eyes. That's the purpose. That's where the misconception has come from.

Nieuwsblad: So you say there is no repression, no forced labor when it comes to Uyghurs?

FEI Shengchao: No, I can categorically say no. Even “journalistic reports” that you cited, they are all from journalists who have never been to Xinjiang, who have never met a single Uyghur person in Xinjiang.

Nieuwsblad: Because they are not allowed to.

FEI Shengchao:No, because they have never dared to go, because of fearnot from the Chinese government, but from their own authorities.Take Belgian media for example, I have huge respect for the Belgian media, but now, there's not single one Belgian journalist posted in Beijing. It has nothing to do with Beijing, but a lot to do with your own decisions. So you only can get information from a third party or other sources. And I would like to also use this platform tosay to all journalists, all Belgian media are most welcome to China.The Chinese doors are wide open.

Nieuwsblad: Maybe for a specific narrative you want to deploy?

FEI Shengchao:Can we dictate your narrative, not only in China, but also here? Can we? Do I try a little? No. Just free and open discussion.

Nieuwsblad: How does your contact go with the President? I would understand that you don't have a one-on-one contact with the President because there are so many Ambassadors. But how does that contact go and what does the President Xi thinkof Belgium?

FEI Shengchao:I'm the Special Envoy of the President here in Belgium, so I am the Chinese Ambassador representing China in the Kingdom of Belgium. I'm really grateful for His Excellency President Xi's trust. Certainly I will simply try to implement what he has reached in agreement with His Majesty the King of Belgium, and also the leaders of Belgium in moving forward this relationship.I'm already the 16th Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, so 55 years’ diplomatic relations, 16th Ambassador here, I think I feel the heavy responsibilities on my shoulders and I think that as you mentioned, we talked about so many issues, it's probably not the easiest job of all in today's world. But sometimes I keep encouraging myself, the more difficult the job is, the more value you may achieve for not only yourself, but more importantly for the country and for the relationship, the historical relationship.I told you that I have already been here for three times already, so I'm also impressed by the humility, by the hospitality, and also by the wisdom and experience, pragmatic spirit of the Belgian people. Sometimes I'm puzzled or confused by the so many misconceptions between the two peoples.I really think that Belgium, Brussels all start with the letter B, and Beijing, the capital of China also starts with the letter B.And B here we also have Bruges. So I think we should take B more for bridges rather than barriers. And Belgium's history has shown very clearly, Belgian success always lies in building bridges between the east and west, the north and south, rather than erecting barriers. The more barriers there may be, the worse off for Belgium.That's what history has shown. The same would be for China. So I think it's in our best interest to build more bridges despite our differences, which are normal. We have different cultures, we have different beliefs, we have different systems. But I think that would give us more opportunities rather than more risks or challenges. That's what I believe and I think that's what I'm going to continue to do in my job and in my post.

Nieuwsblad: You stressed the importance a lot about the importance of dialogue and to build bridges. It was today in the news of the Financial Times that it was the second time that a dialogue between the European Commission, when it comes to the new Industrial Act, and Chinese diplomats, was canceled, because of the Chinese diplomats without any reasons. And the European Commission is a bit shocked and Europe was shocked about why this dialogue now has stopped.How do you look at that specific incident?Some analystssay that it means that the Europe firm fist they are trying to make against China's economy is working, that it annoys China.

FEI Shengchao:I do believe that Europe has not just one firm fist. If we compare Europe to a man or a woman, it has two firm fists and even more than that. But the same is true with any other individuals in today's world. We have our fists, we have our heads, we have our feet. What is important is to not let our fists decide what we think. It should be the contrary.Think about it. We have seen plenty of examples before our own eyes, whether a firmer fist would resolve anything?If people talk about a firm fist last year, the firm fist did not come from China or Europe. Did the firm fist really work? No. Why would anybody believe that a firmer fist this year would work better with better results? Let's please give our diplomats more time, more room. It may be more complicated, it may have ups and downs, but certainly it proves to be a wiser choice for many of the things we face today.

Nieuwsblad: Last two questions. Mr. Ambassador. I'm going to give you the floor, if you could convince Belgian readers of one thing about China, what would it be?

FEI Shengchao:China is a partner, is a friend, not an enemy, not a threat, still less a risk.I think that our 55 years of relationship has given plenty of proof to that. Many of the successful Belgian businesses have also part of their success in China, like Solvay, like Syensco, like Barco. You can raise many examples, pharmaceuticals like Janssen. Also at the port of Antwerp, the airport in Liège, of course there are also different reports on all those things. But I think that sometimes they are out of envy rather than the facts on the ground, because you have the second largest port in Europe, because you have probably the fifth largest airport in cargo in Liège and they are on their way to do even better.So we need to treasure the good things we already have and good things we are going to have, rather than focus all the negativity played up by people who may not really think for the best of Belgium or China.

Nieuwsblad: Then you have, I think, a huge task for you to convince the Belgiansof that message, because as you've seen in the graphs, 1% of the Belgian people who think that China is an ally. How do you think you will be able to convince them? How how can you do that?

FEI Shengchao:I'm not surprised by the figure because I said at the beginning, China does not seek to become an ally to any of the countries we mentioned just now, not only Belgium, but we seek to become very good partners of all nations. Belgium and China, we already have a comprehensive partnership of friendly cooperation, we need to keep it going, further enrich and enhance this partnership.I think in terms of partnership and cooperation, certainly you will have a much higher figure, we do not see Belgium as an ally or Belgium see China as an ally, but we believe we should become even better partners. And there is a lot we have already done and there is so much we can do together to benefit even more our peoples and our businesses.

Nieuwsblad: Last question, Mr. Ambassador. If you could send one message from Belgian society back to Beijing, what would that be?

FEI Shengchao:Belgium is a partner of China. Despite all the complicated stories people may read backin Beijing and in China, Belgium is a partner. That's the message I'm going to send and I will keep sending.

Nieuwsblad: Should Beijing treat that partner differently than they do now?

FEI Shengchao:I certainly hope it will actually see even greater value in this partnership with Belgium. At the same time, it always takes two to tango.

Nieuwsblad: I want to thank you for your time. Thank you, Ambassador.

FEI Shengchao:Thank you.