Embassy of Sweden, Beijing
Map
LocationBeijing
Address3, Dongzhimenwai Dajie
Sanlitun, Chaoyang District
Beijing 100600
China
Coordinates39°56′27″N 116°27′11″E / 39.940885°N 116.453095°E / 39.940885; 116.453095
Opened1937
AmbassadorPer Augustsson
(since 2023)
Jurisdiction China
 Mongolia
WebsiteOfficial website

The Embassy of Sweden in Beijing is Sweden's diplomatic mission in China. The embassy's task is to represent Sweden, the Swedish government in China and to promote Swedish interests. Trade promotion and development cooperation are other tasks for the embassy, as well as press and culture issues and migration and consular services. The embassy's sphere of responsibility includes Mongolia. The ambassador has a dual accreditation to Ulaanbaatar.

History

Sweden's diplomatic representation dates back to the consulate general established in Shanghai in the 19th century. From 1933, the holder of the consul general position also acted as the chargé d'affaires in the Republic of China.[1] Johan Beck-Friis [sv] became Sweden's first envoy to China from 1 July 1937.[2] After Beck-Friis left China in 1939, Sweden had no diplomatic relations with the Chinese nationalist government for several years. In December 1943, Sven Allard [sv] was appointed as Sweden's first diplomat in the free China's capital, Chongqing. Only a consular representation remained in Shanghai.[3] The mission was based in Chongqing from 1944 to 1945[4] before relocating to Nanjing in 1946.[5] Between 1947 and 1948, the mission was located in Shanghai.[6] In 1947–1948, the Swedish ambassador was also accredited in Manila and Bangkok.[7][8]

In May 1950, Sweden and the People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations. Sweden was the first Western country to establish relations with the newly established People's Republic. Chairman Mao Zedong decided to personally receive the Swedish ambassador, Torsten Hammarström, when presenting his letter of credentials[9] on 13 June 1950,[10] which was unusual and a sign that China attached great importance to this diplomatic breakthrough.[11]

In September 1950, it was reported that the embassy had difficulty resolving its office and housing problems satisfactorily and had now rented a house that accommodated both the chancery and embassy residence for Ambassador Hammarström.[12]

From 1951, the mission and its chancery were located in Beijing, but a consulate/mission chancery still existed in Shanghai.[13][14]

On 9 November 1970, the National Swedish Board of Public Building (Byggnadsstyrelsen) submitted a proposal to the Swedish government that Sweden should build its own embassy in Beijing. The new embassy would cost seven million Swedish krona, and it was expected to be completed by mid-1972. Ambassador Arne Björnberg [sv] and the rest of the embassy staff were then housed in a rented building. It was becoming worn out, and a new embassy had been considered for a couple of years. The new embassy would include offices and housing for embassy personnel. It was designed by Swedish architects and, according to an agreement with the Swedish government, construction began with Chinese workers in January 1971.[15]

The embassy, like the rest of Beijing, was shaken by China's deadliest earthquake in history in July 1976. Embassy counsellor Åke Berg and other Swedish embassy officials, like 6 million people in the city, took to the streets and lived in tents, as aftershocks occurred several times a day for at least a week, posing a risk of collapse.[16]

Buildings

1944–1970s

The embassy was based in Chongqing from 1944 to 1945[4] before relocating to Nanjing in 1946.[5] Between 1947 and 1948, it was located at 9 Nan-Whangputan, Shanghai.[6] By 1949, it had moved to 9 Chung Shan Lu, Eastern (II), Shanghai 13[8] and in 1950 to Cathay Mansions, Shanghai 13.[17] In 1951, the embassy was relocated to Beijing. A mission chancery remained in Shanghai, located at 9 Chung Shan Lu (E 2), Shanghai 13 from 1951 to 1955.[13][18]

The chancery was situated at 8 D, Nan Ho Yen, Beijing, from 1951 to 1952,[13][14] at 17, Ma Chiao Miao, Beijing, from 1953 to 1967[19][20] and at 22, Sanlitun, Beijing, from 1968 to 1975.[21][22][a]

The residence was located at 8 E, Nan Ho Yen, Beijing, from 1951 to 1964,[13][25] and from 1965 to 1968, it was at 8E, Dong’Anmen Nanjie.[26][21]

Since 1976, the chancery and residence have been located at 3 Dongzhimenwai Dajie in Sanlitun in the Chaoyang District.[27]

1970s–present

The Embassy of Sweden has been located on a plot in Sanlitun, diplomatic area number 2 in the northeastern part of Beijing, since the 1970s. Nearby properties include chanceries and residences, and in the vicinity, there are a large number of hotels and new office buildings. Sweden is one of the countries, along with Norway, Denmark, and a few others, that owns its properties. The remaining embassies lease their facilities from the Diplomatic Service Bureau (DSB).[28]

The construction of the Swedish embassy buildings took place between September 1971 and October 1972. The architects were Nils Ahrbom and Hando Kask. In 1998, the conference hall Hedinsalen was built, along with a smaller residential building with two small apartments; the architect for these additions was Mats Egelius [sv]. In 2003, there was a renovation and expansion of the visa office according to the drawings by architect Gunnar Åsell, but it has since been demolished. In 2011, the National Property Board of Sweden (SFV) made another addition for the visa office, with Ahrbom Arkitekter as the architect. In 2013, former guest rooms and guest apartments were combined into an office for the Center for Environmental Technology (Centec).[28]

The property includes the embassy, the ambassador's residence, staff accommodations, garages, and service buildings. The buildings consist of two-story brick structures with basements. The roofs are covered with stone tiles. The property features a green and lush garden with a pool and garage. The houses are equipped with mechanical supply and exhaust air ventilation, with heating and cooling options.[28]

Tasks

The Embassy of Sweden in Beijing has approximately 60 staff organized into five teams: Team Peace and Security, Team Migration, Team Transition, Team Growth and Trade, and Team Sweden Promotion and Culture, and Team Operations and Consular Affairs.[29] Sweden has an extensive and growing exchange with China in various areas and engages in intense political dialogue on international issues and human rights. The embassy is also involved in trade promotion, development cooperation, press, culture, information matters, as well as consular and migration services. The embassy's scope of operations also includes Mongolia, where the ambassador is accredited in Ulaanbaatar.[30]

Heads of Mission

Main article: List of ambassadors of Sweden to China
Name Period Title Remark Ref
Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg 1907–1918 Envoy Acreddited from the embassy in Tokyo. [31]
David Bergström 7 May 1918 – 10 June 1920 Acting Envoy Acreddited from the embassy in Tokyo. [32]
David Bergström 11 June 1920 – 27 October 1922 Envoy Acreddited from the embassy in Tokyo. [32]
Oskar Ewerlöf 1923–1928 Envoy Acreddited from the embassy in Tokyo. [33]
Johan Hultman 1929–1936 Envoy Acreddited from the embassy in Tokyo. [34]
Johan Beck-Friis 1936–1937 Chargé d’affaires Consul General in Shanghai. [35]
Johan Beck-Friis 1938–1939 Envoy Based in Shanghai. [36][37]
– 1940–1943 – Vacant. [38][39]
Sven Allard 1943–1944 Acting Envoy Based in Chongqing. [40]
Sven Allard 1944–1947 Envoy Based in Chongqing (1944–1945), Nanjing (1945–1946), and Shanghai (from 1947). [4][5][6]
Torsten Hammarström 1947–1951 Ambassador Also acreddited as envoy to Manila (from 1947) and to Bangkok (from 1948). [7][8]
Staffan Söderblom 1951–1952 Ambassador [41]
Hugo Wistrand 1952–1956 Ambassador Also acreddited to Bangkok (1953–1956). [42]
Klas Böök 1956–1961 Ambassador Also acreddited to Bangkok (1956–1959). [43]
Kjell Öberg 1961–1962 Ambassador
Lennart Petri 1963–1969 Ambassador Also acreddited to Phnom Penh (1965–1969). [44]
Arne Björnberg 1969–1974 Ambassador Also acreddited to Phnom Penh (1969–1974) and Hanoi (1969–1972) as well as Pyongyang (1973–1974). [45]
Kaj Björk 1975–1980 Ambassador Also acreddited to Phnom Penh (until 1979) and Pyongyang. [46][47]
Sten Sundfeldt 1980–1982 Ambassador Also acreddited to Pyongyang. [48]
Lars Bergquist 1982–1988 Ambassador Also acreddited to Pyongyang. [49]
Björn Skala 1988–1991 Ambassador Also acreddited to Pyongyang. [50]
Sven Linder 1992–1997 Ambassador Also acreddited to Pyongyang and Ulaanbaatar. [51]
Kjell Anneling 1997–2002 Ambassador Also acreddited to Pyongyang and Ulaanbaatar. [52]
Börje Ljunggren 2002–2006 Ambassador Also acreddited to Ulaanbaatar. [53]
Mikael Lindström 2006–2010 Ambassador Also acreddited to Ulaanbaatar. [54]
Lars Fredén 2010–2016 Ambassador Also acreddited to Ulaanbaatar. [55]
Anna Lindstedt 2016–2019 Ambassador
Helena Sångeland 2019–2023 Ambassador
Per Augustsson 2023–present Ambassador

See also

Footnotes

  1. ^ Until 1971, the address was 22 Sanlitun, Beijing,[23] and from 1972 to 1975, the address was only specified as Sanlitun, Beijing.[24][22]

References

  1. ^ "Vår representation i Kina". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 1936-01-18. p. 20. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Beck-Friis nr 104". www.adelsvapen.com (in Swedish). Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  3. ^ "Sändebud i Chungking". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 1943-12-15. p. 3. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Sveriges statskalender för året 1945 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1945. p. 266.
  5. ^ a b c Sveriges statskalender för året 1946 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1946. p. 272.
  6. ^ a b c Sveriges statskalender för året 1947 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1947. p. 278.
  7. ^ a b Sveriges statskalender för skottåret 1948 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1948. p. 267.
  8. ^ a b c Sveriges statskalender för året 1949 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1949. p. 278.
  9. ^ "H.M. Konungens tal vid Innovation Forum fredagen den 21 maj 2010" [H.M. King's speech at the Innovation Forum on Friday, May 21, 2010]. Royal Court of Sweden. 2010-05-21. Archived from the original on 16 August 2011. Retrieved 2015-07-17.
  10. ^ "Sveriges ambassadör hos Kinesiska folkrepubliken". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 1950-06-15. p. 4A. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  11. ^ "60 years of friendship". Dragon News: Member Magazine for the Swedish Chambers of Commerce in Hong Kong and China. Beijing: Swedish Chamber of Commerce (2): 12. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 November 2010.
  12. ^ "Sveriges ambassad i Peking". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 1950-09-15. p. A11. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  13. ^ a b c d Sveriges statskalender för året 1951 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1951. p. 295.
  14. ^ a b Sveriges statskalender för skottåret 1952 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1952. p. 301.
  15. ^ "Sverige bygger egen ambassad i Peking". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 1970-04-10. p. 4. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  16. ^ "Svensk UD-personal bor i tält". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 1976-08-04. p. 6. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  17. ^ Sveriges statskalender för året 1950 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1950. p. 283.
  18. ^ Sveriges statskalender för året 1955 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1955. p. 304.
  19. ^ Sveriges statskalender för året 1953 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1953. p. 304.
  20. ^ Sveriges statskalender 1967 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1967. p. 309.
  21. ^ a b Sveriges statskalender för skottåret 1968 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1968. p. 319.
  22. ^ a b Sköldenberg, Bengt, ed. (1975). Sveriges statskalender 1975 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Liber/Allmänna. p. 411. ISBN 91-38-02088-2. SELIBR 3682757.
  23. ^ Sköldenberg, Bengt, ed. (1971). Sveriges statskalender 1971 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. p. 350.
  24. ^ Sköldenberg, Bengt, ed. (1972). Sveriges statskalender för skottåret 1972 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. p. 356. SELIBR 3682755.
  25. ^ Sveriges statskalender för skottåret 1964 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1964. p. 311.
  26. ^ Sveriges statskalender 1965 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1965. p. 320.
  27. ^ Sköldenberg, Bengt, ed. (1976). Sveriges statskalender 1976 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Liber/Allmänna. p. 434. ISBN 91-38-02736-4. SELIBR 3682757.
  28. ^ a b c "Peking, Kina. Ambassadanläggning" [Beijing, China. Embassy building] (in Swedish). National Property Board of Sweden. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  29. ^ "About us". Embassy of Sweden, Beijing. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  30. ^ "Om oss" [About us] (in Swedish). Embassy of Sweden, Beijing. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  31. ^ Westrin, Theodor, ed. (1921). Nordisk familjebok: konversationslexikon och realencyklopedi (in Swedish). Vol. 31 (Ny, rev. och rikt ill. uppl. ed.). Stockholm: Nordisk familjeboks förl. p. 481. SELIBR 8072220.
  32. ^ a b Jacobson, G. (1922). "David Kristian Bergström". Svenskt biografiskt lexikon (in Swedish). Vol. 3. National Archives of Sweden. p. 728. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  33. ^ Vem är det: svensk biografisk handbok. 1933 [Who is it: Swedish biographical handbook. 1933] (in Swedish). Stockholm: Norstedt. 1932. p. 233.
  34. ^ Svensson, Stina, ed. (1953). Vem är det: svensk biografisk handbok. 1953 [Who is it: Swedish biographical handbook. 1953] (in Swedish). Stockholm: Norstedt. p. 488. SELIBR 9649164.
  35. ^ Sveriges statskalender för året 1937 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1937. p. 208.
  36. ^ Sveriges statskalender för året 1938 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1938. p. 215.
  37. ^ Sveriges statskalender för året 1939 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1939. p. 219.
  38. ^ Sveriges statskalender för skottåret 1940 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1940. p. 226.
  39. ^ Sveriges statskalender för året 1943 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1943. p. 245.
  40. ^ Sveriges statskalender för skottåret 1944 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1944. p. 260.
  41. ^ Sveriges statskalender för skottåret 1952 (PDF) (in Swedish). Uppsala: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1952. p. 301.
  42. ^ Burling, Ingeborg, ed. (1956). Vem är det: svensk biografisk handbok. 1957 [Who is it: Swedish biographical handbook. 1957] (in Swedish). Stockholm: Norstedt. p. 1069.
  43. ^ Burling, Ingeborg, ed. (1962). Vem är det: svensk biografisk handbok. 1963 [Who is it: Swedish biographical handbook. 1963] (in Swedish). Stockholm: Norstedt. p. 179. SELIBR 9649168.
  44. ^ Vem är det: svensk biografisk handbok. 1977 [Who is it: Swedish biographical handbook. 1977] (in Swedish). Stockholm: Norstedt. 1976. p. 819. ISBN 91-1-766022-X. SELIBR 3681523.
  45. ^ Vem är det: svensk biografisk handbok. 1981 [Who is it: Swedish biographical handbook. 1981] (in Swedish). Stockholm: Norstedt. 1980. p. 120. ISBN 91-1-805012-3. SELIBR 3681525.
  46. ^ Hellbom, Thorleif (1998-12-21). "DN gratulerar: Klok rapportör i stormcentrum". Dagens Nyheter (in Swedish). Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  47. ^ Sköldenberg, Bengt, ed. (1979). Sveriges statskalender 1979 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Liber. p. 344. ISBN 91-38-04622-9. SELIBR 3682760.
  48. ^ Sköldenberg, Bengt, ed. (1982). Sveriges statskalender 1982 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Liber/Allmänna. p. 366. ISBN 9138067307. SELIBR 3682763.
  49. ^ Spiegelberg, Christina, ed. (1988). Sveriges statskalender 1988 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Allmänna. p. 366. ISBN 91-38-09927-6. SELIBR 3682767.
  50. ^ Spiegelberg, Christina, ed. (1991). Sveriges statskalender 1991 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Allmänna. p. 354. ISBN 9138125277. SELIBR 3682770.
  51. ^ Almqvist, Gerd, ed. (1997). Sveriges statskalender 1997 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Fritzes. p. 184. ISBN 9138309734. SELIBR 3682776.
  52. ^ Spiegelberg, Christina, ed. (2002). Sveriges statskalender 2002 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Fritzes. p. 184. ISBN 9138319519. SELIBR 8428312.
  53. ^ Spiegelberg, Christina, ed. (2006). Sveriges statskalender 2006 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Norstedts Juridik AB/Fritzes. p. 183. ISBN 91-38-32230-7. SELIBR 10156707.
  54. ^ Sveriges statskalender 2010 (PDF) (in Swedish). Stockholm: Norstedts Juridik AB/Fritzes. 2010. p. 186. ISBN 978-91-38-32520-9. SELIBR 11846164.
  55. ^ "Regeringen utser nya ambassadörer" (in Swedish). Ministry for Foreign Affairs. 5 August 2010. Archived from the original on 24 March 2013. Retrieved 15 July 2013.

External links

Diplomatic missions of Sweden
Diplomatic missions in China
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