Written by: Mikołaj Woźniak, Konrad Falkowski. Content support: Łukasz Kobierski
4.11. Tsahkna in China
Estonian diplomacy chief Margus Tsahkna made his first authoritative visit to the capital of the People's Republic of China on 4 November this year. According to information Mr Tsahkna, presented by the Ministry of abroad Affairs, spoke with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on both bilateral and multilateral relations and Russian aggression against Ukraine. The Minister of abroad Affairs of Estonia stressed: “We work with countries whose views may disagree from ours on certain issues and we explain our positions. [...] Estonia seeks to keep open and pragmatic communication with China". He besides added that he explicitly referred to China's representative, how Tallinn perceives the ongoing war in Ukraine and how crucial it is to support Kiev in its defence. Tsahkna firmly stated that all companies supporting Russia in their military activities would gotta face EU sanctions. In his opinion, "EU sanctions are part of wider global law enforcement efforts and China, as a permanent associate of the UN safety Council, plays a key function and is liable for defending global law, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states". Moreover, the head of Estonian diplomacy noted that his country was actively active in supporting Ukrainian children deported to Russia back to their homeland, and here he besides proposed cooperation with China.
Then, according to the Estonian message, the conversation went smoothly to the EU-China relationship. Tsahkna noted that Estonia remains faithful to the single policy of the European Union. "We are engaged in constructive, principles-based and values-based dialog in EU-China relations, including human rights," he said. He thus raised the issue for China uncomfortable, i.e. human rights, stressing that "Estonia considers the protection and promotion of universal human rights to be essential. Human rights principles are universal and indivisible." However, the MFA communication of Estonia does not give any examples aimed at China in this case.
A somewhat different gathering was reported by the Chinese side, which referred to the war in Ukraine in 1 sentence: "Both sides besides exchanged views on global and regional issues, including the Ukraine crisis". Message The Chinese Ministry of abroad Affairs focused mainly on highlighting the absence of conflicts between Estonia and China and the request to build "mature, stable, based on common respect, beneficial to both parties and based on relation cooperation". Wang recalled the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Tallinn, stating that this is the right time to "enhance common political confidence, deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthening human relations and cultural exchange, and strengthening the affirmative trend towards bilateral relations". An crucial point, from a Chinese perspective, was to mention Taiwan, which the PRC considers to be an integral territorial part of, and the foundation of all Beijing diplomatic relations is to consider the PRC to be the only Chinese country under the ‘one China’ policy. According to Tsahkna’s communication, Estonia confirmed its commitment to this issue.
Regarding the EU-China Wang relationship, he stated that despite the systemic differences between the Union and China, they do not gotta prevail negatively in bilateral relations. He further said that the Chinese side was ready to sign a free trade agreement with the EU, as well as "to make synergies between the Belt and way Initiative and the Global Gateway initiative". From Estonia, China expects this to play a constructive function "in encouraging the EU to have a appropriate view of China and to view and make Chinese-EU relations with common respect and a positive, rational attitude".
5.11. peculiar channel between the EU and China
Mr Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and economical safety and Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, reported The media on 5 November , that the European Union and the People's Republic of China have set up a ‘special channel’ for communication that concerns the issue of the current bilateral relations increasingly strongly, i.e. the flow of uncommon earth metals. This problem, as Šefčovič stressed, is simply a vital interest for the united Europe and its industrial machinery.
The EU economical Commissioner announced earlier this period that he had discussed this subject with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao. For example, at the beginning of November Šefčovič via the X platform wrotethat there were ‘constructive talks’ with the Ministry of Trade of the PRC at the level of elder officials. As the post indicates, China was to confirm that the suspension of export controls from October refers to the European Union. Thus, both Brussels and Beijing are actively active in "continuing dialog to improve the implementation of export control policies", wrote Šefčovič.
6.11. Ombudsman of the Minister of Trade of the PRC on trade agreements with the EU
He Yadong, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China during its press conference touched the subject of trade agreements between the European Union and China, noting that the possible of a fresh bilateral trade or investment agreement is revealed on the horizon. Negotiations on this issue should have the same weight as frozen in 2021 investment agreement – Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). Responding to the question whether China is planning to enter into any fresh agreements with Europe, the Chinese spokesperson stated: "China is ready to deepen its mutually beneficial cooperation with the EU and research the anticipation of negotiating various economical and trade agreements, including investment agreements." Continuing on the subject, he felt that both China and the European Union share many interests and that there were a large number of economical and trade areas in which Beijing and Brussels could cooperate.
10.11. King Felipe VI in China
Between 10 and 13 November the historical event took place – King Felipe VI of Spain for the first time in 18 years visited The Chinese capital. The most crucial part of this visit was the gathering between the Spanish monarch and the leader of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. However, Felipe VI besides met with high-ranking Chinese officials specified as the Prime Minister of the PRC Li Qiang and president of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly Zhao Leji. On the another hand, the Spanish king was accompanied by members of the Spanish government, including the Minister of abroad Affairs and the Minister of the Economy, which can be read as an expression of Madrid's wider diplomatic strategy.
The authoritative communications highlighted the readiness of both parties to deepen the "complementary strategical partnership" – based on common respect, respect for sovereignty, shared improvement and cooperation on many levels. The symbolic value of the visit was highlighted by the Chinese authorities – Spain was called a conventional friend and an crucial partner. Moreover, the king of Spain himself He said His Chinese interlocutor that "friendship between Spain and China undoubtedly benefits both nations and is in line with the tradition of 2 countries of long past and global vocation". Xi, for his part, added that Spain is simply a ‘constructive force’ that the planet needs to accomplish peace and development.
During the visit signed 10 cooperation papers (including agreements, protocols, declarations) on trade and the economy, discipline and technology, education, culture and human exchange. In the field of agriculture and food trade, at least 3 fresh protocols were signed — concerning exports of pigmeat, fish and aquaculture products from Spain to China. 1 of them — a protocol on regionalisation and control of African swine fever — is strategical due to the fact that it allows Spain to export pigmeat even after the outbreak has been detected if another regions stay disease-free. This is crucial for Madrid due to the fact that the pork sector is crucial for Spanish exports — in 2024 Spain delivered 540 000 tonnes of meat to China worth over EUR 1,097 billion. 2 additional protocols afraid the regulation of exports of fishery products from Spain to China. On the another hand, the 3rd protocol referred to control, quarantine and sanitation requirements for aquaculture products intended for export. According to Luis Planas, Minister of economical Affairs of Spain, "these agreements reenforce common trust in wellness and grow the export opportunities of the Spanish agri-food sector".
The talks and declarations besides afraid cooperation in future sectors: fresh energies (green transformation), digital technologies, artificial intelligence, besides technological and method cooperation and education. The desire to strengthen cooperation in the area of investment, trade, technology and exports of quality Spanish products — both industrial and agri-food products — was highlighted. 1 of the directions of improvement is besides cooperation in the area of cultural and educational exchange, which is intended to foster, among another things, a better knowing between societies.
An interesting visit stayed commented by Gabriel Reyes Leguen and Bernardo Navazo of Think Tank Geopolitical Insights. In their view, Spain is gradually seeking a balance between the United States and China, and more specifically, "seeking area for manoeuvre due to the fact that it cannot afford to play blocks: it is dependent on the European market, global technology and open marketplace access". They further stated that the King of Spain's visit to Beijing was neither a form of friendly motion nor a concession, but was "for this reminder of the basic principle: sitting at the table does not warrant a win; staying distant guarantees a loss".
14.11. A spokesperson for the PRC MFA for a study on the improvement of Chinese companies in the EU from 2025 to 2026
During his press conference Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of abroad Affairs of the PRC, was asked about comment concerning the conclusion of report on the improvement of Chinese companies in the EU in the period 2025/2026, which was released on 12 November by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to the EU. The Chinese tv writer Shenzhen TV, asking a question, recalled the main conclusion of this report: the overall assessment of the EU business environment among Chinese companies fell sixth in a row, resulting in expanding uncertainty for Chinese entrepreneurs, and the EU hazard simplification policy, according to most respondents, negatively affects the perception of the European market. He stressed that this "uncertainty" is now the biggest obstacle to Chinese companies in the EU.
Lin confirmed that the ministry from which he came was acquainted with the study and thus the MFA noted that "Chinese companies are afraid about the continuing force on their activities in Europe". He then pointed out that the European Union gradually, under the cloak of ensuring its own economical safety and building competitiveness, promoted the concept of "de-risking", introducing "a scope of protectionist measures ... restrictions on semiconductors, 5G networks and electrical vehicles ... and took discriminatory and restrictive measures against Chinese companies, which disrupted the unchangeable and unchangeable functioning of global industrial chains and supplies". In his opinion, the Union had the other effect: "These measures did not contribute to improving the EU's industrial competitiveness, but, on the contrary, they were a negative signal of a regression in marketplace openness and influenced Chinese companies' assurance to invest in the EU, which yet harmed the interests of the EU itself".
In the later part of his statement, Lin called on the European Union to turn towards dialog and cooperation with China, not confrontation and competition, especially in these turbulent times. "We hope that the EU will keep its commitment to marketplace openness and respect the rule of fair competition, perceive to and honestly consider the sensible suggestions and reasonable calls of Chinese companies and supply a fair and predictable environment for Chinese companies to invest and operate in the EU," he added at the end of the Chinese MFA spokesperson.
17.11. Klingbeil in China
17 November held The 4th circular of high-level financial dialog between China and Germany, which in practice meant the journey of German finance minister Lars Klingbeil to China. He then met Deputy Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China He Lifeng. According to a Chinese note from this event, ‘both parties agreed to a number of mutually beneficial results’, but did not compose specifically what these results were about. However, He stated that "China is ready to cooperate with Germany to implement an crucial consensus achieved by the leaders of both countries and to make a fresh contribution to the stableness and improvement of the planet economy". Klingbeil, on the another hand, confirmed the words of his Chinese co-talker, stating that Germany was willing to ‘close exchange and cooperation with China in the financial and monetary sectors’.
More information can be obtained from Article Reuter agency. According to him, Klingbeil discussed the issue of Chinese overproduction in key industrial sectors specified as steel, solar panels or electromobility. In his opinion, this is simply a serious problem for fair competition and jobs in industry. Chinese restrictions on uncommon earth metals have besides been a problem, which restricts the improvement of, among another things, Europe. Finally, the head of the German Finance Ministry said: "We want to find common solutions to guarantee the reliability of supply chains and access to them." Although the gathering was naturally centered around financial problems, the issue of war in Ukraine was besides raised. Klingbeil stressed that China could play a key function in ending the ongoing conflict. However, nothing else was set up in this regard, and the Minister of Finance himself stated: “Today there is simply a commitment that [China] wants to work with Germany for peace. No further advancement has been made."
Worth adding here yet comment analysts of the Mark Karp East Studies Centre. Most importantly, in their text, they stated that Klingbeil's first visit was an effort to alleviate the prevailing tensions on the Berlin-Pekin line, especially after the last cancellation of the German abroad Minister's journey to China. Secondly, Beijing wanted to usage this visit to introduce interior divergences and misunderstandings in the German ruling coalition in the context of the formation of the policy of the RFN towards the People's Republic of China.
19.11. Declarations by the Netherlands on Nexperia
Last month's rivalry between the Netherlands and China around Nexperia continued, too, including this. On 19 November, the Ministry of economical Affairs of the Netherlands issued statement, in which it announced the suspension of the ministerial regulation under the Goods Availability Act. This legal paper has become the authoritative origin for the confusion around this company. The Dutch side’s arguments in this case are presented as a consequence of constructive meetings with the Chinese authorities. As can be seen from the Dutch Ministry’s communication: “The Dutch Government has already welcomed the actions taken by the Chinese authorities to guarantee the supply of chips to Europe and the remainder of the world. This is seen as a manifestation of good will, and Amsterdam considered it appropriate to decide to suspend “the Regulation on the basis of the Accessibility Act, in close consultation with European and global partners”.
Previous statement of a akin character on the Dutch side was released on 13 November. The head of the Dutch economical department Vincent Karremans said that he welcomes "the fresh softening of China's strict licensing conditions imposed on Nexperia's existing semiconductors". He added: “The Netherlands, in close cooperation with European and global partners, closely monitors the situation. Both to verify the resumption of tangible supplies to Europe and the remainder of the planet as well as to find whether and erstwhile trade from Nexperia plants in China will be full resumed." The declaration of 13 November was de facto the announcement of uncovering the first avenues of agreement between the disputed parties.
Chinese side in answers On 19 November, the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC informed that the European Union had agreed to call on Dutch and Chinese Nexperia troops to resolve the deadlock, bypassing the Dutch government. On the another hand, the decision to suspend the takeover of the Dutch chip producer, belonging to China, on 30 September, failed to meet Beijing's request for an integral withdrawal from this.
22.11. Meetings of Li at the margins of the G20 Summit
Li Qiang, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China, took advantage of the chance of this year's G20 summit to hold meetings with the leaders of key European countries, which underlines Beijing's ambition to deepen bilateral relations and economical and strategical cooperation. In this case, 2 meetings taking place at the margins of the Johannesburg Summit are worth mentioning: with German Chancellor Friedrich Merzem and with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
While talking to Merzem Li pointed out that China and Germany are "important economical and trade partners" and that since diplomatic relations have been established, these relations have "continued to deepen". He stressed that the "win-win" cooperation, based on common respect and strategical communication, was intended to service the stableness and benefits of both parties. Among the priorities, he identified cooperation in new, innovative sectors, specified as renewable energy, smart technologies, biotechnology, hydrogen technologies and smart drives, which is designed to aid modernise manufacture and make together. At the same time, it called on Germany — and more broadly, the EU — to adopt a long-term position on relations with China: with an open mind, promoting dialogue, cooperation and knowing of the key interests of both parties within organisations specified as the UN and WTO.
Moving on to Conversation with MelonsLi recalled that 2025 was the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. He pointed out that in July 2024 the leaders of both states had designated a "strategic road map" for deepening the relationship, and since then both sides have begun to implement common arrangements. Li stressed China's willingness to deepen a comprehensive strategical partnership with Italy, promoting economical and trade cooperation, expanding industrial and marketplace links, and expanding cooperation in fresh sectors. He besides expressed his desire to increase common investment – China invites Italian companies to enter the Chinese marketplace (through, among others, platforms specified as China global Import Expo and another trade and industrial trade fairs), while expecting Italy to supply a "fair, transparent, non-discriminatory and predictable" environment for Chinese companies investing in Italy. In addition, both parties declared their willingness to make cooperation in areas specified as tourism, education, sport, cultural exchange, local cooperation and human relations. Cooperation in this area would foster greater common knowing and relationship between societies. Li besides stressed China's willingness to strengthen coordination with Italy within global organisations specified as the UN or the G20, and this in turn would aid advance multilateralism and a common position on global issues.
