EU-China
Brussels’ approach to Greater Eurasia in need of revision
It’s curious that the EU’s initiative “Connecting Europe and Asia” makes no mention of two of its most important players – the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Chinese “Belt and Road” Initiative, writes Yuri Kofner.
Expert: US-China dispute ‘is not a trade but economic war’
The ongoing trade dispute is an instrument of cold economic warfare launched by the US to “contain” China, and it could lead to the fragmentation of the global economic and financial system, warned Alicia García-Herrero, a senior fellow at Bruegel think tank.
ASEM comes to town
Apart from the UN General Assembly, the biggest gathering of world leaders takes place in Brussels this week, the biannual Asia-Europe meeting, known as ASEM. Representing two-thirds of the world’s population, trade and GDP, Europe and Asia have lots to discuss, writes Fraser Cameron.
US, EU should ‘clean the house’ and deal with China – US ambassador
Europe and the US should quickly sort out the current issues in their "long-term faithful marriage" so they can speak in "one powerful voice" and address China's global activities, US ambassador to the EU, Gordon Sondland, said on Wednesday (3 September).
Kazakh families torn apart in China’s Xinjiang crackdown
When he looks back on his youth in China's far-west Xinjiang region, Akikat Kaliolla, an ethnic Kazakh, recalls the place's natural beauty and the big, colourful weddings typical of his majority-Muslim community.
Visegrad express railway project unveiled
Four Central European countries announced Monday (1 October) a plan to build a high-speed rail link between Budapest and Warsaw, said Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
Djibouti: What Europe should understand of China’s approach to military expansion
China’s military presence in Djibouti has an impact on peace and stability in the region, which directly affects the interests of European countries in Africa, writes Yun Sun.
EU energy watchdog urges Bosnia not to accept Chinese loan
The EU energy watchdog urged a Bosnian regional parliament on Thursday (27 September) not to approve a government guarantee for a China Exim Bank loan that is designed to help power utility EPBiH add a new unit at its Tuzla coal-fired power plant.
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.