REVIEW OF EU-CHINE EVENTS DECEMBER 2025

Authors: Mikołaj Woźniak, Konrad Falkowski. Content support: Łukasz Kobierski

1.12. EU ends dispute with China on Lithuania

The planet Trade Organisation (WTO) issued paper No. WT/DS610/14, which resulted in the European Union having informed of the conclusion of the trade dispute which it initiated with China in 2022. Case she was referring to the accusation against Beijing of discriminatory trade practices against Lithuania – this was primarily manifested in a drastic simplification in trade compared to the erstwhile year. According to the WTO Communication, the European side "states the Dispute Settlement Body [DSU] that, given that the key objectives of the dispute have been achieved and that trade in the case has been resumed, it does not consider it essential to proceed with the complaint on DS610". The consequence of this is the completion of the procedure for resolving the case with that number.

3.12. Macron in China

French president Emmanuel Macron visited China on 3-5 December for the 4th time during his presidency. As highlighted in the authoritative Communication A French visit to Beijing, the intent of the journey in 2025 was first to want to deepen French-Chinese relations in the fields of economy, trade, culture and education, and secondly, France intended to "confirm Europe's function in an highly unstable geopolitical and economical context". Macrona and his wife Brigitte Macron were greeted in the large People's Hall by China president Xi Jinping besides in the company of his wife – Peng Liyuan. After this, the leaders of both countries went on bilateral discussions.

The subject of talks can be divided into 5 main issues. First, trade and economical relations. Macron, recalling France's G7 word of office, suggested the request to intensify the dialog "with key players, primarily with China, on global economical imbalances and global governance". France and China, according to Macron, should play a key function in building "a more balanced, equitable and sound economical governance based on principles, alternatively than on almost stronger". The French president stressed that China, for its part, should "implement its programme to strengthen home consumption", which would aid fight global trade imbalances. Moreover, an adequate framework should besides be found to increase the investment of the PRC in Europe. "And especially in France," he added. W Communication Chinese side Xi noted in this substance that "protectionism will not solve the problems caused by global industrial restructuring but will only make the situation worse in global trade". Therefore, China and Europe should aim to keep a deeper partnership and to grow existing cooperation in order to make Chinese-European relations "in a spirit of independency and common benefit".

Secondly, global safety issues, with emphasis on Ukraine and Palestine. This issue has been put forward in common statement Macrona and Xi. It states that, as members of the UN safety Council, France and China are committed to "searching for constructive solutions based on global law to face challenges and threats to global safety and stability". Both parties expressed their support for efforts to find an appropriate solution to the conflict in Ukraine, which will be based on global law and the principles contained in the United Nations Charter (Chinese nomenclature in this case uses the phrase "crisis in Ukraine"). With respect to the situation in the mediate East, French and Chinese leaders stated that they are jointly in favour of a two-state solution in Palestine. Moreover, they expressed their approval for the humanitarian support of the Palestinian Authority by the global community.

Next statement "Co-operation in addressing global climate and environmental challenges". In this context, Macron and Xi announced their commitment to erstwhile calls and environmental statements in bilateral and multilateral cooperation (including the Rio Convention, the Kyoto Protocol or the Paris Agreement). The request to defend and make discipline to combat climate change has besides been confirmed. Finally, it concluded that "France and China are ready to actively research the anticipation of setting up a working group on climate and environmental problems". Talks on setting up specified a group are to take place in the first half of 2026.

The 4th main subject of the talks between the French and the PRC was cooperation for the peaceful usage of atomic energy. The area of this cooperation is defined in a common declarations as an component of a comprehensive strategical partnership. Based on the current cooperation, both parties have announced their desire to proceed it in the exchange of experience and method solutions concerning, inter alia, the construction and usage of third-generation atomic power plants, the operation of existing or the disposal of radioactive waste. Innovation in this area is the key to improving security, which is why France and China intend to cooperate in this area. Furthermore, representatives of both parties have jointly undertaken to guarantee safe, reliable and sustainable management, processing and retention of spent fuel and radioactive waste. In addition, it has been stressed that atomic safety is vital for the "sustainable improvement of peaceful atomic energy". This in turn led to the message that Paris and Beijing confirmed their commitment to atomic non-proliferation under the 1968 Agreement.

The last issue discussed during the French President's visit to the Chinese capital, besides included in the joint statement, was a problem of global governance. In this area, it was noted that Macron and Xi had an in-depth discussion on multilateralism in the modern world. erstwhile again, both States have been recalled as permanent members of the UNSC, which translates into the request to play an appropriate function in promoting multilateralism. The message states: “Both leaders call for further efforts to advance multilateralism. Multilateralism is the cornerstone of global order and the best way to advance global cooperation, keep peace and prosperity in the planet and solve emerging problems and challenges." This besides applies to economical and commercial multilateralism, the institutionalised form of which is the planet Trade Organisation. At this point, France and China have besides reaffirmed their commitment to support a "multilateral trade strategy based on rules and focused on the WTO". France, as stated in the statement, welcomes the Chinese Global Management Initiative and is ready to take joint action to make this issue. In order to maximise efforts to advance multilateralism, France, as president of the G7, and China, as the leader of the APEC format, besides expressed their willingness to "learn inclusive dialogues" to face challenging and threatening challenges.

On that day, in Beijing, the president of France and the president of the PRC took part in the conclusion of the 7th gathering of the French-Chinese Business Council, and besides met with 2 high-level Chinese officials. The first of them was Zhao Leji, the president of the People's National Assembly of China, and the second Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China – Li Qiang. During the talks Macron and Xi were besides present Chinese abroad Minister Wang Yi.

It is besides worth noting that during the gathering there was besides a certain accent of symbolism. Namely China is known for conducting a peculiar diplomacy called "pand diplomacy". It depends on loan surviving pandas of another countries to alleviate tensions and improve bilateral relations; this is simply a form of soft power led by China. During the December visit of Macron Xi confirmedthat "based on existing cooperation, both sides will conduct a fresh circular of cooperation on the protection of large pandas". “The French love large pandas,” added the leader of the PRC.

5 December, i.e. on the last day of the French President's visit to China, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Macron went to town. Chengdu, or the city's 4th largest population in the People's Republic of China. This gathering was little formal and more spherical. Macron and Xi walked together on Dujiangyan's historical irrigation system, discussing culture, dialog and global challenges. Macron then met with students of the University of Sichuan and gave a speech to them. French diary ‘Le Monde’ characterized This event was called “a welcome stone star” due to the fact that hundreds of students and residents of the city were set up to meet the French leader. In closing his visit to China, Macron gave a speech in front of the press, during which he summarized the diplomatic and economical issues undertaken and answered the questions of journalists.

8.12. Wadephul in China

In October, the public heard about cancellation the planned visit of the German abroad Minister to China and the transfer of it to an indefinite period. The final journey of Johann Wadephul took place on December 8, 2025. The day before, 7 December, the head of German diplomacy gave statementWhat this gathering was about. He said, among another things, that from the position of the prevailing and expanding tension in the modern world, "direct and in-depth discussion with China is necessary, even necessary". He stressed that Germany not only had to, but besides wanted to talk to the Chinese, so as to find solutions to pressing global challenges in common with China. The fact that there are discrepancies in the perception of certain issues is obvious, but this is not at the same time disqualifying any effort at discussion. The most crucial thing in this substance is to end the war in Ukraine. "In my talks, I repeat that no another country has specified a large influence on Russia as China nor is it able to exert specified strong force to convince Russia to enter into serious negotiations respecting Ukraine's sovereignty. It is in our interest that China will aid to accomplish a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine," Wadeful said.

Moving to Beijing, the head of the German MFA met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi there. According to the authoritative message MFA Germany: "The intent of Wadephul's abroad minister's visit to China is to proceed dialog between both countries at advanced level [...] and to discuss the full spectrum of German-Chinese relations".

More information from the gathering itself is provided by a Chinese message Ministry. It can be seen that this is the first visit of the German minister to China since the creation of the government in Germany. This was commented on by the message that "the key is not the moment; the nonsubjective counts". For his part, Wang expressed hope that Germany would consider China "in a more nonsubjective and rational way, stay committed to building a Chinese-German partnership, consider China's improvement as an chance to deepen cooperation and a driving force for mutually beneficial benefits and outcomes for both parties", which translated diplomacy into a language may mean that it is crucial to make an economical and trade partnership without focusing on political disadvantages. Wang further added that China is inactive ready to strengthen and grow its cooperation with Germany, stressing that the country is "a key force for European integration and an crucial partner for China". The issue of Taiwan was besides discussed extensively – 1 of the most crucial for Beijing. Wang cited the last dispute diplomatic with Japan on the words of the fresh Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who, in a speech before the nipponese Parliament, considered the possible attack by the PRC on Taiwan as a "existential crisis for Japan", which would give legitimacy for nipponese military action. In response, the Chinese consul issued individual threats to Takaichi. Wang noted that the current nipponese authorities have caused ‘serious damage’ to Taiwanese issues by making their ‘mistakeful comments’. He besides added that "as opposed to Germany, Japan did not full atone for its past of aggression, even 80 years after the end of planet War II". It can be suspected that it was a rhetorical procedure to express simultaneously condemnations for Japan, as well as the expression of courtesy for Germany. Wang pointed out that the rule of ‘one China’ for Taiwan was a ‘important foundation’ for Chinese-German relations and thus could not have 2 meanings. In conclusion, Wang hoped that Germany understood the seriousness of the substance and that “they would powerfully argue and reject all the words and actions calling for Taiwan independenceIt’s okay. ”

On the another hand, Wadephul stated (according to the Chinese Ministry of abroad Affairs) that Germany and China, in the face of current precarious governance in the world, "must take peculiar responsibility, strengthen communication and coordination and become reliable and predictable partners in common cooperation". He besides confirmed Wang's hopes of continuing to respect the rule of "one China". He added that, like China, Germany is ready to deepen and strengthen cooperation between 2 countries, especially in the economy and trade. The head of German diplomacy pointed out that German companies in the PRC "have full assurance in this country and are ready to further deepen their presence on the Chinese market". Furthermore, erstwhile addressing the EU-China relationship, Wadephul said that his country was keen to play a "constructive role" in the dialog between Brussels and Beijing.

Both sides besides addressed the issues of war in Ukraine ("crisis in Ukraine" according to the Chinese nomenclature). As can be read from the Communication, both Wadephul and Wang presented each other's positions. The German minister added his hope that "China will usage its influence to contribute to the fast end of the crisis in Ukraine". Wang, in turn, noted that China had been on the side of peace from the very beginning. "China supports all peace-friendly activities and will proceed to play a constructive function in this area," added the Chinese Minister.

9.12. Lithuania will not meet Chinese demands on Taiwan

Ms Asta Skaisgiritė-Liauškien, diplomat and erstwhile Deputy Minister of abroad Affairs, and presently Advisor to the president of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, stated Žini We are talking about the diplomatic dispute between Vilnius and Beijing, which took place in the Lithuanian capital of Taiwan – where the adjective “Taiwan” was and is inactive unacceptable to Beijing and the raping foundations of the “one China” policy, to which Lithuania agreed with the establishment of authoritative relations with the PRC in 1991.

The year 2025 was expected to be a minute of reconciliation between the 2 parties, but no groundbreaking event occurred in this area. According to Skaisgiritė-Liauškien, advancement in repairing the relation is invisible: “The Chinese side makes any demands for Taiwanese office and I do not think this is simply a request that can be easy met.” Therefore, it can be expected that as long as this "demand" is on the table, the agreement on diplomatic tension will not take place. The Advisory Nauseda did not share what this "demand" sounds exactly, so it remains only in the sphere of conjecture, although asked whether Beijing's condition was to close Taiwanese representation, she replied: "I would not take it so categorically. Life always brings different fates and possibilities. But at this point it is simply a condition that we cannot meet." Thus, it can be suspected that Beijing's condition concerns primarily the change of naming, but it seems to be a alternatively trivial issue to proceed this dispute. On the another hand, however, this can be seen as a form of symbolic opposition to Chinese pressures and expression of support for Taiwan.

It is besides crucial that Lithuania frequently stresses its desire to resume relations with China. fresh Lithuanian Government for 1 of its own objectives in the global sphere, he has just recognised the normalization of relations with the People's Republic of China. besides then, Skaisgiritė-Liauškien confirmed this desire, stating that only time would show whether they would respond to it.

11.12. China and the EU resume discussions on electrical cars

On 11 December 2025, He Yadong, a press spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade of the People's Republic of China, was asked during his regular conference about Resumption talks between China and the European Union on European tariffs for Chinese electrical vehicles. The subject was a determinant of the discussion in 2024, and was besides raised at the last EU-China Summit in Beijing, but the European Commission was inflexible on this subject and no changes were established. A writer in the German news channel Phoenix asked during the previously mentioned press conference about the Chinese side's comments, as according to his information China and the European Union were "talking on trade remedies", and the European Commission began "reviewing price commitments made by any Chinese companies under EU anti-subsidy duties on electrical vehicles".

He confirmed this information and indicated that the consultation was to continue. "China welcomes the reopening of EU consultations on price commitments and appreciate the return of the EU to dispute resolution through dialogue", said the spokesperson. He further expressed his attention to the European Union's efforts to consult separately the price undertakings with individual Chinese companies, while noting the state administration, including the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Electronic Products. In his opinion, specified actions will not "advocate the maintenance of common trust" nor will they "favour the overall efficiency of the [negotiation] process". Finally, He hoped that the European Union would "consistently implement the crucial consensus reached at the gathering of Chinese and EU leaders, strictly respect the rule of non-discrimination and [...] reduce tensions as rapidly as possible through dialog and consultation".

16.12. Definitive duties of the PRC on pig meat from the EU

In June 2024 for the news of the European Union's tariffs on Chinese electrical cars China took retaliatory action in the form of an anti-subsidy investigation to find whether European pig meat was not sold at dumped prices and thus did not origin injury to the Chinese market. In the meantime, provisional duties of 15.6%-62.4% were introduced.

Finally, on 16 December 2025 the case was completed – the Ministry of Trade of the PRC issued Notice No 80, which announced that the investigation showed dumping in the framework of EU-imported pigmeat. Thus, in the Ministry's view, there was a crucial injury to the home pig manufacture in China. As a result, fresh tariffs were imposed, which scope from 4.9% to 19.8% – this is simply a diametric difference compared to the first form of Chinese duties. As indicated in the communication, the product under customs duties is: ‘products obtained from slaughtered pigs, including fresh, chilled and frozen pigmeat; fresh, chilled and frozen offal of pigs; fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, smoked, salted, salted or pickled fat and pork lard which are not refined or extracted by another methods and contain no thin meat; and fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, smoked, salted or marinated full or cut intestines, bladders and stomachs of pigs’. The duties entered into force with 17 December 2025, the day after the notice, and were imposed for a period of 5 years. It should be added that European importers have the right to appeal, i.e. curious parties may apply for a review of a fresh exporter, repeated interim reviews and submit administrative or judicial remedies.

Also on December 16 comment the Chinese Ministry has issued a spokesperson who added that the investigation and the duties imposed are due to the current difficulties of the Chinese industry, thus ‘there is simply a large request for protection’.

Their discontent with the above situation, even though the duties were originally much higher, expressed The European Commission, claiming that the anti-dumping investigation of China itself was "based on dubious allegations and insufficient evidence". The Commission besides stressed that it intends to defend its exporters against "the abuse of Beijing's trade defence instruments".

22.12. Chinese provisional duties on EU milk products

In August 2024 China began Investigation anti-subsidy on milk products originating in the European Union. This was another retaliation for imposing duties on Chinese electrical cars.

On 22 December 2025, the Ministry of Trade of the PRC via message No 83 announced the amount of the provisional duties on the above goods on the basis of the results to date. It was clear in the Communication that the subsidy took place: ‘The investigating authorities provisionally established that imported milk products originating in the European Union were subsidised, resulting in crucial injury to the dairy manufacture in China and a causal link exists between subsidies and crucial injury.’ China has so imposed provisional anti-subsidy measures which have been in force since 23 December 2025. Therefore, importers are obliged from that date to pay an appropriate countervailing work rate. The tariff product is further specified in detail. The dairy products include: ‘fresh cheese (including whey cheese) and curd, melted cheese (starts or powders), mould cheese and another textured cheeses produced by Penicillium romaeeri, another cheeses not included in this publication, milk and cream which are not concentrated or sweetened or otherwise sweetened (with a fat content exceeding 10% by weight)’ The rates themselves scope from 21.9% to 42.7%. Companies that cooperated with the investigating authority received a preferential rate of 28.6%, while companies that did not take specified a rate are charged higher rates of 42.7%.

This decision of the Chinese authorities was not left by the European side without comment. Olof Gill, European Commission spokesperson, stated‘The Commission considers that the investigation is based on dubious allegations and insufficient evidence and so the measures are unjustified’. Moreover, the EC intends to take a close look at the Chinese duties and make appropriate comments to them. Gill added at this point that the European Union, despite its willingness to balance the trade deficit and independency from Chinese supply chains, inactive intends to keep good trade and investment relations with Beijing. However, in order to do so, China must meet certain EU requirements: "The European Union has been facing a number of problems and concerns for many months and even years, specified as overcapacity, unfair usage of trade instruments, trade deficits, etc."