Moldova Deputy PM Sees ‘Enormous Potential’ for Cooperation with China

Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi has signaled a strong desire to deepen bilateral ties with China, highlighting the “enormous potential” for cooperation between the two nations in trade, infrastructure, energy, and cultural exchange. In an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency conducted in Chișinău, Popșoi outlined Moldova’s ambitions to strengthen economic links and expand collaboration across multiple sectors.

Context and Background

China and Moldova established diplomatic relations on January 30, 1992, shortly after Moldova’s independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Relations have been characterized by gradual expansion of economic ties, with China viewing Moldova as a partner within its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Moldova seeing China as an important economic partner to diversify its international relationships.

Popșoi’s overture follows his visit to Beijing in May 2026, where he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi — the first visit by a Moldovan foreign minister to China in nearly eight years. As China Daily reported, Wang Yi stated that “China cherishes the traditional friendship between the two countries” and stands ready to “further cement mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, inject impetus into the growth of bilateral ties, and bring benefits to the two peoples.”

Key Developments

Trade and Economic Cooperation

Popșoi said he was greatly impressed by China’s development during his May visit and sees enormous potential for bilateral relations. Moldova hopes to boost economic exchanges with China and explore opportunities in high-value agriculture, biotech manufacturing, and the automotive industry.

A centerpiece of this push is Moldova’s participation in the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE), scheduled for November 2026 in Shanghai. Moldova will host its first national pavilion at the event. “We very much look forward to making the most of this opportunity, especially as there is such a generous and friendly offer from the Chinese side to provide this opportunity and to offer a country like Moldova an opportunity to be more present in the Chinese market,” Popșoi said, as reported by Logos Press.

Moldova hopes to showcase its unique products and cultural charm to Chinese consumers through the expo, helping them better understand Moldova’s high-quality agricultural and food products — including wine and fruit — as well as its tourism potential.

Infrastructure and Energy

Popșoi specifically highlighted the China-aided solar power station in Criuleni district, completed in 2021, which was Moldova’s largest solar power plant at the time. Built by Sinohydro Bureau 9 (a subsidiary of PowerChina), the 2.8 MW facility generates 2.86 million kWh annually and represents China’s first foreign-aid complete new energy project in Moldova.

“Moldova is currently undertaking large-scale infrastructure construction. We are very willing to learn from China’s technical expertise and advanced experience in large projects,” Popșoi told People Daily.

Cultural and Educational Exchange

Popșoi also expressed hope to strengthen cooperation with China in culture and education. “Culture and language and people-to-people contacts are something that unite us,” he said.

Analysis and Implications

Geopolitical Significance

The strengthening of China-Moldova ties is noteworthy given Moldova’s pro-European orientation and its criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Moldova’s foreign policy priority remains EU accession, but it continues to develop economic cooperation with China as a key non-EU partner. China’s willingness to engage with Moldova despite these differences reflects Beijing’s broader strategy of maintaining relationships across geopolitical divides.

According to Global Times, Wang Yi reiterated China’s position of promoting peace talks regarding the Ukraine crisis during his meeting with Popșoi, while China appreciates Moldova’s correct stance on issues involving China’s core interests, including the one-China principle.

Economic Diversification

For Moldova, deepening ties with China offers economic diversification at a time when the country is pursuing EU integration. The CIIE participation provides Moldovan exporters — particularly wine and agricultural producers — direct access to Chinese consumers and distributors. For China, Moldova represents an opportunity to expand Belt and Road cooperation into Eastern Europe.

What’s Next

With the 9th CIIE scheduled for November 2026 and Moldova preparing its first national pavilion, the coming months will be critical for translating these diplomatic signals into concrete economic outcomes. Key questions remain about the volume of bilateral trade targets, specific infrastructure projects under consideration, and how Moldova will balance its deepening ties with China against EU regulatory frameworks as it advances toward membership.

As Popșoi noted, the foundation for cooperation is strong — built on mutual respect and a shared interest in expanding economic ties that benefit both nations.