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Poland, China discuss trade transit as border closure raises tensions
Polish President Karol Nawrocki (right) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
September 16, Pozirk. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met yesterday near Warsaw to discuss Poland’s role in goods transit from Asia to Europe, China’s foreign ministry reported.
The diplomats met for the fourth session of a bilateral intergovernmental commission days after Poland closed its border with Belarus over security risks linked to the ongoing Zapad-2025 military drills conducted by Russia and Belarus.
The talks focused on strengthening existing and potential routes and logistics chains, the Chinese foreign ministry said.
Poland and China also reportedly expressed their willingness to ensure the safety and accessibility of the China-Europe Railway Express, a network of freight rail routes connecting Chinese cities with Europe. Some of the routes pass through Belarus and face disruptions after Poland closed its rail crossings on September 10.
The Chinese top diplomat also discussed Belarus’ role in security in Central Europe with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, the latter’s press office said.
Warsaw does not benefit from the border closure but prioritizes security over trade benefits, Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Paweł Wroński said following Polish-Chinese talks yesterday. The planned statements by the foreign ministers were reportedly canceled at the request of the Chinese side.
Warsaw warned Chinese partners about Russia’s destructive actions, Wroński noted, expressing hope that China will raise the issue with Moscow and Minsk.
Earlier, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryžankoŭ criticized Poland’s decision to close its border with Belarus, claiming it targeted China, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of the cargo transit across the Belarusian-Polish border.
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the closure was temporary and linked it to threats posed Zapad-2025. Warsaw would reopen the border when officials are fully confident that Belarus does not pose a direct threat to Poland or its citizens, he stressed.
Neighbors on alert as Russia launches Zapad-2025 in Belarus
September 12, Pozirk. Russia has launched the joint military exercise Zapad-2025 in Belarus, prompting neighbors to take unprecedented security measures, including the closure of the Polish-Belarusian border. The previous Zapad drills, held several months before the outbreak of the war …