Xi Jinping’s state visit produced eight “deliverables” – yet most are dialogues, intentions or restated positions. Trade gets a modest $30bn tariff list, AI a new dialogue channel. Taiwan and Ukraine are absent. And the two capitals do not even agree on what the AI talks are called.
The EU Commission and High Representative condemn the first arrest under Macao’s national security law, the closure of independent media outlet All About Macau and the disqualification of 12 election candidates. The developments deepen concerns that expanding security controls are weakening rights promised under the “one country, two systems” framework.
The EU Commission and High Representative report continued erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and fundamental freedoms, citing prosecutions of Jimmy Lai and Joshua Wong, action against activists’ relatives and arrest warrants targeting critics overseas. Yet Hong Kong remains a major financial hub hosting around 1,770 EU companies.
The EU Parliament has finalised a sweeping customs overhaul that treats platforms and sellers shipping goods directly from outside the EU as importers responsible for compliance and charges. The reform introduces a parcel handling fee, creates an EU Customs Data Hub to replace more than 111 national IT systems and establishes a new EU Customs Authority in Lille.
MEPs want the EU to shift from reacting to hybrid attacks towards anticipating, disrupting and deterring them, identifying Russia as the gravest threat while also citing Belarus, China, Iran and North Korea. Parliament backs stronger intelligence sharing, a central role for the EU’s single intelligence analysis capacity, a new cross-cutting action plan and closer cooperation with NATO.
In her 2026 State of the Union address, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes opening a path to EU associate status for Canada, new European security structures and age-based social media restrictions. Her agenda also sets out measures on industrial AI, critical raw materials, banking and climate resilience, linking economic renewal and support for Ukraine to a more independent Europe able to act collectively in an increasingly hostile
At the EU-China round-table in Hangzhou, the European Economic and Social Committee called for greater trade reciprocity and market access, stronger poverty reduction efforts, people-centred AI and respect for human and workers’ rights.
At the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, EU leaders outlined a stronger security focus for the forthcoming Arctic strategy. Russian military activity, China’s growing interest and new maritime routes are driving calls for closer partnerships and more icebreakers, alongside climate protection.
At their bilateral meeting during the BRICS summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a closer China–India partnership and stronger global coordination, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed border peace and respect for existing agreements. India’s account also highlighted trade imbalances, supply chains and market access concerns.
A coalition including Nobel laureate Philippe Aghion and former EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has unveiled a Transformative AI Strategy for Europe. More than 40 recommendations set out how to secure access to frontier AI, expand infrastructure and prepare for AI crises. The strategy targets a 15% European share of global AI data centre capacity by 2030, combining foreign investment with stronger safeguards for Europe’s sovereignty and security.
BRICS leaders at their New Delhi summit call for greater developing-country influence in global institutions and challenge unilateral sanctions, tariffs and carbon border measures. Their declaration also outlines cooperation on local-currency payments, AI governance, energy security and development finance.
Lithium-ion batteries have grown into a $150bn market, with China now producing 85% of global supply. In its latest commentary, the International Energy Agency (IEA) says China’s rise shows how predictable demand, patient capital, industrial policy and sustained investment can build competitive battery ecosystems and strengthen supply-chain resilience.
Speaking at the Business Forum for Heads of German Missions Abroad (BoKoWiTa) in Berlin, EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said Europe must remain open to trade while becoming more assertive on economic security, China and unfair competition. He highlighted diversification, WTO reform and stronger Single Market competitiveness.
China’s first regularly scheduled container service through the Arctic could turn Russia’s Northern Sea Route from an experimental corridor into a viable supply-chain alternative to Suez. Bruegel argues that the development highlights not only Moscow’s growing dependence on Beijing, but also a widening industrial and strategic gap between China, the U.S. and Europe in the Arctic.
According to an EEAS spokesperson, the conviction of the Hong Kong Alliance and former leaders Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung under the National Security Law reflects the continuing deterioration of freedom of expression and assembly and the shrinking space for independent civil society. The group had organised Hong Kong’s annual Tiananmen candlelight vigils, which have not been held since the security law was imposed in 2020.
Switzerland and China have concluded negotiations on an upgraded free trade agreement that would allow 99.8% of current Swiss exports to enter the Chinese market duty-free. The revised deal also expands provisions on investment, digital trade, services, environmental standards and labour rights, with signature targeted by the end of 2026.
China’s forthcoming 2026–2030 intellectual property plan promises faster patent examination, clearer protection for AI-generated innovation, stronger safeguards for chips and data, and equal treatment for foreign companies. For European businesses, however, the decisive question will be whether Beijing’s push to influence global technology standards is matched by predictable enforcement and effective remedies in practice.
European Parliament foreign affairs lawmakers have concluded a high-level mission to Beijing and Shanghai, urging China to halt dual-use exports supporting Russia and warning that the EU’s €1 billion-a-day trade deficit is unsustainable. The visit reopened political channels—but major divisions over Ukraine, human rights and market access remain unresolved.
The EU Commission has formally sent a Statement of Grounds to JD.com in its foreign subsidies investigation. It is concerned that preferential financing, tax incentives and grants potentially attributable to China could distort competition following JD.com’s proposed acquisition of German electronics retailer Ceconomy.
Eight Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other senior officials in Beijing and Shanghai. Talks will address economic imbalances, Russia’s war against Ukraine, human rights, Indo-Pacific security, technology competition and global AI governance.
Deepening Franco-German friendship, strengthening Europe’s economy and jointly expanding its defence capabilities were at the heart of the 26th Franco-German Council of Ministers. The cabinets of both countries met in Brühl to discuss these priorities.
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