EU-China
Mogherini unveils EU response to New Silk Road
EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini announced on Wednesday (19 September) the Commission’s vision on how to better connect Europe and Asia, in what appears to be a reply to China’s Belt and Road initiative, and also an effort to prepare the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in October.
EU counters China’s Silk Road Initiative
Today’s adoption by the European Commission of a new ‘Connectivity Strategy’ linking Europe and Asia throws down the gauntlet to an increasingly assertive China, writes Bart Broer.
Juncker to propose breaking dollar’s dominance in global markets
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is expected to propose today (12 September) a bigger role for the euro in international markets and more efficient decision-making in EU foreign policy in his state of the union speech, European diplomats said.
China defies US pressure as EU parts ways with Iranian oil
China, seeking to skirt US sanctions, will use oil tankers from Iran for its purchases of that country's crude, throwing Tehran a lifeline while European companies such as France's Total are walking away due to fear of reprisals from Washington.
Europe needs to wake up to China’s influencing strategies
As Europe is waking up to the Chinese party-state’s growing influence inside its territory, China experts in Europe need to make themselves heard, write Tabitha Speelman and Matej Šimalčík.
UK’s chief diplomat visits China, begins Brexit bargaining tour
Britain's new foreign minister begins his first major international trip with a visit to China on Monday, bidding to strengthen trade ties with Beijing ahead of Brexit next year.
EU-China summit boosts negotiations towards an investment agreement
The European Union and China agreed to enhance market access and investment and to speed up negotiations over geographical indications during a leaders’ summit in Beijing on Monday (16 July). But EU leaders indicated they wanted to see China's promises translated into action.
EU leaders head to China and Japan, seeking to restore global trade
After the turmoil of Trump in Brussels, EU leaders are in China and Japan today and tomorrow for two important summits, a sign that Europe is looking to Asia, writes Fraser Cameron.
China set to fully control Portugal’s power grid amid Europe’s inertia
China is set to make further inroads into European infrastructure, as a state-owned company attempts to gain full control of Portugal’s power grid.
Success of EU-China summit in the air as trade differences remain
The EU and China are speeding up preparatory work for their bilateral summit in Beijing in mid-July. The two sides are trying to agree on a joint position despite differences on trade issues including subsidies and market access.
Summit conclusions detail reform plan for WTO to please Trump
The EU leaders agreed “in substance” on Thursday (28 June) on a set of proposals to improve the World Trade Organisation, which should pave the way for finding common ground with US President Donald Trump and de-escalating the ongoing trade dispute. But Italy blocked their formal adoption until the migration issue was fully addressed.
Asian investment bank: ‘We could invest in the EU’
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has recently decided to start looking abroad to invest its $100 billion in capital, including ports in the EU. His vice-president Joachim von Amsberg told EURACTIV there wouldn’t be any rivalry with EU institutions, but rather "collaboration".
The EU has to broaden its alliances to shape the new world order
Enough tears have been shed, egos and emotions shaken and obituaries written about the transatlantic relationship. It is time to move on. So wipe the tears, stop the whining and turn over a new page. The US has embarked on a new journey, and the EU should do the same, writes Shada Islam.
EU and China pledge to deepen relationship despite trade tensions
The EU and China said on Friday (1 June) they would expand trade and investment cooperation amid the global trade dispute triggered by US tariffs. But as part of the efforts to address outstanding trade disputes, Europe will present a complaint before the World Trade Organisation against China’s intellectual property practices.
Solar industry promises ‘jobs bonanza’ if EU lifts China duties
The European solar industry has urged the EU to end import duties on Chinese photovoltaic cells when anti-dumping measures expire in September, saying they are holding off a “jobs bonanza” in the sector.
Europe raises transparency issues with China’s Belt and Road Initiative
China's massive Belt and Road Initiative is seen as a unique chance to strengthen economic cooperation between Beijing and Europe and a way to spur trade and the economies of the countries involved. But some consider it a strategic and self-interested tool for China to extend its sphere of influence.
China, the Western Balkans and the EU: Can three tango?
With China pouring loans into the Western Balkans, the EU must step in to ensure this money benefits the region, writes Wawa Wang.
The Brief – Weaving the silk road into the 21st century
China’s ‘Belt & Road’ initiative, a network of overland road and rail routes and maritime links meant to transport oil and gas from China to Europe, has been described as a 21st century silk road. But how long can it last?
OLAF suspects VAT fraud at China’s new gateway to Europe
European Union and Italian authorities are investigating suspected wide-scale tax fraud by Chinese criminal gangs importing goods via Greece’s largest port of Piraeus, a trade gateway between China and Europe, officials said.
As EU and China celebrate Year of Tourism, access to Tibet for European travellers remains limited
Could you imagine being denied access to a territory vaster than France, Spain and Portugal combined during your next holiday in Europe? This seems completely unthinkable, yet this is what is happening every year for several weeks in Tibet, write Vincent Metten and Antoine Madelin.
Kurz: Austrian EU Presidency to focus on China
During its July-December EU Presidency, Austria wants to set its own focus on China. To prepare for this, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz paid a visit to the Middle Kingdom. EURACTIV Germany reports from Vienna.
Zeman’s Chinese embrace sparks fears about risky investments
The Czech Republic is the fourth most open country for foreign investments in the world. But it has no control mechanism to prevent risky foreign investment, and economic and political influence from the East is growing rapidly, EURACTIV.cz reports.
Commission satisfied with US trade talks, criticises Chinese IP practices
Trade discussions with the US are progressing well, European Commission vice-president Jyrki Katainen said on Tuesday (10 April). However, he lamented the “deteriorating” business climate in China.