Photo & Text by JE Nilsson, CM Cordeiro © 2025
Sweden and China at 75: A Legacy of Dialogue and Trade Aboard the Götheborg III
On May 9, 2025, history met the present aboard the Götheborg III, as dignitaries, guests, and officials gathered to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sweden and China. Hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Gothenburg, the celebration honored a milestone of peaceful engagement and forward-looking cooperation between two nations bound by both legacy and ambition.
The Significance of the Götheborg III
The Götheborg III is far more than a historic replica. It is a fully functioning reconstruction of the 18th-century Swedish East Indiaman that sailed to China as part of the country’s early trade network. The original ship returned from China in 1745 but tragically sank just outside the Gothenburg harbour. Her modern twin now sails as a floating tribute to centuries of cultural exchange and cooperation, linking Sweden and China across time.
Messages from Heads of State
Earlier the same day, President Xi Jinping and King Carl XVI Gustaf exchanged congratulatory messages marking the 75th anniversary. President Xi highlighted that Sweden was one of the first European countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1950. He emphasized the stable and fruitful development of bilateral ties, with continued success in trade, science, education, and cultural exchange. The President expressed his hope that this milestone will serve as a new starting point for strengthening political mutual trust and promoting free trade and multilateral cooperation.
King Carl XVI Gustaf responded with heartfelt wishes for the continued development of Sweden–China relations, affirming his hope for lasting friendship and collaboration between the two nations.
Honoring a Shared Past and Future
The onboard event included speeches that reflected on the long journey of both nations — from early exchanges of porcelain, silk, and tea to contemporary collaborations in innovation, green technology, and education. Emphasis was placed on how free trade has served as a foundation for mutual prosperity, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders including businesses, institutions, and local communities.
The Götheborg III served not just as a setting, but as a symbol of these enduring ties — a vessel once used for commerce, now dedicated to cultural diplomacy and international understanding.
Looking Forward
This anniversary was more than a reflection on the past — it was a reaffirmation of shared aspirations for the future. The exchanged messages from China and Sweden underscored a mutual commitment to multilateral cooperation and the pursuit of global peace and development. Standing aboard the Götheborg III, in a space shaped by both history and diplomacy, we were reminded of how cultural heritage continues to spark meaningful dialogue in an interconnected world.
Bibliography
To learn more about the Götheborg III and its remarkable story as a vessel of international heritage and diplomacy, visit:
https://gotheborg.com/project/
For the full release of the May 9, 2025, messages between President Xi Jinping and King Carl XVI Gustaf, see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China:
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xw/zyxw/202505/t20250509_11618310.html
Sweden Abroad – 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations (14 Jan 2025):
https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/china-shanghai/news/75-years-of-diplomatic-relations/