Brussels, Belgium: Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo is set to embark on a crucial visit to Beijing from January 10 to 13, marking the first such visit by a Belgian leader in eight years.
The visit comes at a pivotal time during Belgium’s six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, providing an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration with Chinese counterparts.
This diplomatic engagement takes place against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and a recent espionage scandal that has sent shockwaves through Belgian politics.
The espionage revelations involve Frank Creyelman, a lawmaker from the far-right Vlaams Belang party, who allegedly received funds from a Chinese spy in a three-year-long operation aimed at influencing Belgian and European politics.
The espionage scandal adds a layer of complexity to Prime Minister De Croo’s upcoming visit as he seeks to navigate delicate issues and represent Belgium on the international stage.
De Croo, who faces a challenging election in June 2024, is keen to make a mark on European politics while addressing the fallout from the espionage controversy.
One of the key moments during De Croo’s visit is expected to be his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on January 12.
Symbolically scheduled just a day before the Taiwanese presidential election, this meeting holds geopolitical significance.
Observers are closely watching to see how De Croo’s discussions with President Xi unfold, especially given the potential military implications of the Taiwanese election results.
The espionage scandal involving Creyelman adds a layer of scrutiny to the visit, with concerns about Beijing’s interference in Belgian politics and its potential impact on national security and democratic institutions.
The allegations against Creyelman include attempts to undermine a Belgian parliament bill condemning genocide against Uyghur Muslims and disrupting discussions on Taiwan.
Belgium’s Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder has described Creyelman’s collaboration with a Chinese spy as “extremely worrying for our national security, our democracy, and our institutions.”
However, the Prime Minister’s criticism has been largely focused on the far-right party, with less direct condemnation of Beijing’s interference.
Adding to the complexities, Belgium’s intelligence service, VSSE, has increased scrutiny over Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba’s control over the country’s largest cargo airport in Liège.
VSSE is actively working to detect and combat potential spying and interference activities by Chinese entities, including Alibaba.
As De Croo undertakes this high-stakes visit, he faces the challenging task of balancing diplomatic relations, addressing the fallout from the espionage scandal, and advocating for Belgium’s interests in the face of geopolitical tensions.
The international community will be closely watching the outcomes of this visit as it unfolds against a backdrop of shifting dynamics in global politics and concerns over foreign influence on democratic processes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
