Written by: Mikołaj Wozniak, Karolina Czarnowska. crucial support: Łukasz Kobierski
02.04. Wang-Kallas telephone call
On 2 April Wang Yi, Chinese abroad Minister, conducted conversation telephone with Kaja Kallas, EU advanced typical for abroad Affairs and safety Policy. The discussion focused primarily on the situation in the mediate East. Kallas appreciated China's diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, including the joint initiative of China and Pakistan. The European Union has declared that it is not active in the conflict, but is experiencing its economical and political effects, and so supports the swift completion of the fight and the return to dialogue. Wang stressed the importance of cooperation between China and Europe in defence of the UN-based global strategy and global law. He pointed out that key elements of the Chinese-Pakistan initiative include ceasefire, peace talks, protection of civilian facilities and safety of maritime routes, especially in the Strait of Ormuz. China-EU relations were further discussed. Wang stated that China's improvement was an chance for Europe and criticised the protectionism policy and the "detachment" from China. Kallas stressed that the EU sees China as an crucial partner and does not intend to break up economical cooperation.
02.04. Wang-Wadephul telephone call
On the same day Wang Yi held conversation telephone with German abroad Minister Johann Wadeful. The main subject of the discussion was the situation in the mediate East, peculiarly the Iran conflict. The German side stressed that the escalation of the conflict negatively affects the global economy, energy safety and food supply. Germany supported the United Nations and welcomed the Chinese-Pakistan initiative to reconstruct peace and stableness in the Gulf region and the mediate East. Wang pointed out that U.S. and Israel's military activities towards Iran were not approved by the UN safety Council and violate global law. He stressed the request to defend the sovereignty of the countries of the region, civilian safety, energy infrastructure and shipping routes. Both parties agreed that China and Germany should act as crucial countries to de-escalate the conflict and stabilise the region. Chinese-German relations were besides addressed and the desire to further strengthen strategical cooperation between the 2 countries was declared.
07.40. China introduces fresh rules on supply chain security
On 7 April, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang signed Order Council of you to introduce a set of rules on industrial safety and the supply chain. The 18-article rules, which enter into force on the date of publication, aim to prevent safety risks in industrial chains and supply chains, increase their resilience and security, and defend economical and social stableness and national security. The paper clarifies the principles of industrial safety and supply chain work, including promoting the unchangeable and efficient functioning of global industrial chains and supply chains and supporting investigation into key technologies in key sectors. The paper improves related organization measures to guarantee unchangeable production, circulation and sustainable operation of natural materials, technologies, equipment and products in key sectors. The paper besides provides that China will establish a mechanics for investigating the safety of industrial chains and supplies, under which applicable departments will be able to launch investigations and take countermeasures against countries, regions or global organisations, as well as abroad organisations or persons that undermine the safety of the Chinese industrial chain and supply.
Key issues for global corporations include a centralised coordination mechanics between more than 15 government agencies (including MOFCOM, MIIT and CAC) to monitor supply chain activities. Moreover, they extend the hazard criteria to capture the commercial behaviour of global corporations that can be seen as affecting supply chain security, including decisions to halt supplying Chinese customers or to retreat from Chinese supply chains. They besides impose fresh restrictions on the collection of data in the supply chain, which could have crucial consequences on the way companies conduct investigation in China due diligence environmental, social and corporate governance and supply chain audits. global corporations may besides encounter direct legal conflicts if compliance with US or EU law can in itself entail a hazard of enforcement in China. Key terms, specified as ‘stopping average transactions’ and ‘discrimination measures’, have not been defined, which creates crucial explanation uncertainty for compliance decisions. Regulations do not have a withdrawal period and enter into force immediately from 7 April.
Chinese side emphasizesthat the fresh rules emerged at a time erstwhile the global strategy was seemingly strained, peculiarly in the face of the conflict in the mediate East, which shook global energy markets and supply chains. Since developed economies around the planet adapt supply chains, frequently trying to decision production closer to their countries, Beijing's actions are so part of global change. The mediate State points out that this is not a sign of "door closure", but a form of emphasis on openness and global cooperation, while the State is looking for ways to reduce vulnerability and to guarantee unchangeable access to natural materials, technology and equipment. China underlines that they are dependent on external inputs, as others are dependent on their production. In view of the common benefits, relationships should have common respect.
Chinese regulations will besides affect European companies. The fresh regulations practically delegalise the alleged "de-risking". Companies transferring production or applying EU sanctions hazard entering into an investigation for discriminatory measures. Moreover, Article 16 imposes individual work – including travel bans on management from companies established in China. Analysis of the introduced regulation confirm that the fresh Chinese government prevents EU companies from carrying out mandatory human rights audits without violating Chinese national safety law.
10.04 China-EU Business improvement Forum in Paris
April 10th in Paris was held China-EU Business improvement Forum. This event was organised on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Chinese-EU diplomatic relations. The co-organisers of this event included Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. The Forum was attended by 120 graduates, business leaders, scientists and officials, while the aim was to deepen Chinese-EU cooperation and intercultural exchange.
The main subject of the Forum was trade, innovation and sustainable improvement as pillars of Chinese-EU cooperation and to strengthen bilateral economical partnership for the coming decade. The program included lectures on the latest economical and business trends in China and Europe, as well as panel discussions.
Experts presented their observations on macroeconomic trends and business cooperation between China and Europe, taking into account besides strategical guidance. In addition, cooperation on the supply chain and on technological complementarity between China and Europe and cooperation on innovation and investigation were discussed. The discussion was besides devoted to the improvement of branding and the dynamics of consumption. The aspects specified as brand-building strategies, expansion to abroad markets and the function of premium brands in driving growth in consumption in Chinese and European markets were discussed, while offering applicable insights on brand globalisation and local adaptation.
10.04. Séjourné on Europe's economical cooperation with China
Vice-President of the European Commission on the prosperity and industrial strategy of Stéphane Séjourné, during the POLITICO’s European Pulse Forum held on 10 April this year in Barcelona, He took its vote on the economical relations of the European Union with the People's Republic of China. He firmly stated that Europe should not follow the Isolationist strategy of the United States, as more benefits would be achieved by expanding Chinese investments in its territory. He said, “We request them. We request abroad investments.” He then explained the difference between the hazard simplification practice. de-risking) a ‘distribution’ decoubling), stressing that these are 2 different phenomena: de-risking is simply a form of reducing the interdependencies between economies, especially in critical sectors, and this approach is practiced by the European Union; it besides implies a continued willingness or request for cooperation. Séjourné stated that the European Union has chosen this ‘road’ due to its degree of openness, adding in this respect that it is in any sense inscribed in the ‘DNA’ of Europe. In turn decoubling is simply a more extremist approach that postulates the full deficiency of economical dependence that Washington applies to Beijing. Finally, commenting on a visit to China to mid-April, the Spanish Prime Minister said that the visits of European leaders to China were a customized that had been in place for years, and in his opinion, "it is good to talk and proceed the discussion with China".
11-15.04. Sánchez, Spain
From 11 to 15 April, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain travelled with visits to China at the invitation of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
The president of the PRC Xi Jinping During the meeting, he stressed that China and Spain should step up cooperation in a number of areas and encourage exchanges in different areas in order to accomplish better results in a comprehensive strategical partnership and bring greater benefits to both nations. Xi besides noted that despite the changing global situation, China-Spanish relations through the ability to make the right decisions based on common interests are developing stablely and China and Spain should always prioritise the improvement of bilateral relations in their abroad policies and support each another in protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China is besides open to sharing improvement opportunities with the planet by bringing assurance and dynamism to global economical growth through its own development.
Sanchez stressedthat both parties attach large importance to Spanish-Chinese relations, while mentioning their 4 visits to China over 4 years. Spain firmly respects the rule of 1 China, highly values the position of China as an crucial country and is profoundly committed to developing the Spanish-Chinese partnership with strategical determination. Spain besides hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in trade, investment, the fresh energy sector and another sectors, and to intensify inter-human exchange.
China and Spain are characterised by strong economical and commercial complementarity. The PRC is the largest trading partner of Spain outside the EU and Spain is an crucial block partner of China. According to the figures of the Chinese General Customs Administration, the bilateral trade in goods exceeded $55 billion in 2025, expanding by 9.8% year to year. Xi pointed out that both sides should take advantage of opportunities, jointly search innovation-based development, strengthen cooperation in areas specified as trade, the fresh energy sector and an intelligent economy, and advance cultural, educational, technological and sporting exchanges. He besides raised the question of strengthening communication, strengthening common trust and close cooperation to sustain multilateralism. He said that both countries should defend an global strategy focused around the UN and an global order based on global law, advance inclusive economical globalisation, and support the construction of a community. Sanchez confirmed that, in the face of complex and hard global situations and many conflicts and disputes, only compliance with multilateralism and support for a multipolar planet can guarantee lasting peace for humanity, while Spain opposes the fresh cold war and attempts to separate and break supply chains and supports enhanced communication, knowing and cooperation between Europe and China, adding that the sustainable improvement of EU-China relations serves the common interests of both parties and contributes to planet peace and stability.
Chinese leader In the face of the clash between US president Donald Trump and Sánchez in the refusal to support Washington's abroad policy and the ongoing war in the mediate East, he praised Spain for being a country that acts “with moral integrity”. The Spanish Prime Minister has long advocated closer ties with China, and his position on this substance has strengthened Trump's re-election. Sánchez stresses that the EU must look for another global partners in the face of deteriorating transatlantic relations.
13.04.Position of the European Chamber of Commerce on Chinese regulations on industrial chain and supply security
European Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC) She referred to the fresh Chinese rules on industrial chain and supply safety Regulations on the safety of Industrial and Supply Chains) adopted by the Council of China and in force since 2026. The EUCCC stressed that it understood the request to strengthen economical resilience and safety of supply, but expressed concerns about the impact of fresh regulations on abroad companies in China. According to the House, the rules have been worded very widely, which could lead to explanation uncertainty and increased regulatory hazard for European companies. In particular, the investigation mechanisms and the anticipation to apply the measures to entities deemed to endanger the safety of Chinese industrial chains and supplies are of peculiar concern. The European Chamber of Commerce in China indicated that economical safety should be implemented in a transparent, proportionate and predictable way. The organisation called for clear implementing guidelines and dialog with abroad companies to reduce legal uncertainty and guarantee equal treatment of economical operators.
The European Chamber of Commerce besides pointed out that extending the concept of national safety to economical areas could increase the fragmentation of the global economy and hinder the functioning of companies operating simultaneously on the Chinese, European and American markets.
15.04. Tajani in China
15-18.04 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for abroad Affairs and global Cooperation of Italy Antonio Tajani went to visit China, with stops in Beijing and Shanghai. The visit programme included authoritative meetings with Chinese authorities and initiatives to advance economical and cultural ties. While in Beijing Tajani met with abroad Minister Wang Yi and Minister of Trade Wang Wentao. The gathering was held on 16 April and included the gathering of the XVI Joint economical Commission and Business dialog Italy-China, with the participation of Italian companies operating on the Chinese market.
Wang Yi said China and Italy are comprehensive strategical partners, with complementary strengths and broad prospects for deepening cooperation. The Chinese side stressed that it was willing to cooperate with Italy to strengthen common trust and advance cooperation in order to keep a solid and unchangeable improvement of Chinese-Italian relations. Antonio Tajani, in turn, stated that Italian-Chinese relations are presently developing successfully and without disruption, and Italy highly values relations with China and powerfully supports the policies of 1 China and is ready to cooperate with China in order to intensify cooperation and dialogue.
Both parties exchanged views on the current situation in the mediate East, in peculiar in the Strait of Ormuz and with peculiar emphasis on the mediation of Pakistan. The subject of war in Ukraine was besides raised. Wang Yi stressed that China consistently advocates political resolution of global disputes through dialog and consultation and argue the usage of force. The Chinese minister besides pointed out that the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran should never have taken place, and the prolonged conflict has a major impact on global energy safety and the safety of shipping routes in the Strait of Ormuz. Tajani expressed the hope that Beijing would play an active function in bringing about the cessation of war and the beginning of negotiations.
The question of strengthening bilateral relations was besides discussed through the implementation of the Italy-China Three-Year Action Plan for the period 2024–2027. The priorities of the plan include rebalancing trade and investment flows and removing barriers to access by Italian products to the marketplace in China. It is worth noting that the mediate State is simply a key outlet for Italian exports – the PRC is Italy's main trading partner in Asia and the second largest trading partner in non-EU countries, with a trade value of almost EUR 75 billion in 2025. This trade increased by 11.2% compared to 2024.
Tajani's visit besides included cultural events, specified as the beginning of the exhibition “Hoard for the large Masters. From Leonard to Caravaggio. The masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance” at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing. In Shanghai, the Minister opened the exhibition “Italia Meravigliosa” on the occasion of the National Made in Italy Day and met with representatives of the Italian business community in the country. His visit to China, Tajani, ended with a visit to the Jesuit Library “Zikawei” in Shanghai, founded in 1847 and as a witness to the exchange between cultures of the West and the East, facilitated partially by Jesuit activities.
During an interview summarizing a visit to China Minister Tajani stressed the pragmatic ‘renewal’ of the strategical partnership between Italy and China, focusing on a circumstantial action plan for the programme Made in Italy Following Italy's speech from the Belt and way Initiative. Tajani besides stressed the urgent request to balance trade. Since Italy's trade deficit with China amounts to as much as EUR 46 billion, ideas have emerged to guarantee better marketplace access for Italian sectors specified as agri-food, jewelry and cosmetics, while actively combating counterfeits pretending to be Italian. Tajani besides pointed out that beyond commercial issues, dialog with China has a key diplomatic role.
21.04. The European Commission is blocking a Chinese tender company in Lisbon
21 April European Commission informed, that Polish tram maker will replace Chinese in the Mota-Engil consortium starting in a tender for trams for the Portuguese capital. The EC has authorised the Metropolitano de Lisboa, the operator of public collective transport in Lisbon, to announce an order for the construction and plan of the ‘Violet’ metro line in that city, subject to the conditions laid down in the abroad Subsidies Regulation, following a change introduced by the consortium, which will avoid distortions caused by abroad subsidies. I'm talking about Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), or Regulationwhich entered into force on 13 July 2023. Its essence is "to address distortions caused by abroad subsidies and thus allows the EU to guarantee a level playing field for all companies operating in the interior marketplace while maintaining openness to trade and investment". As regards the company excluded from the Lisbon tender, it was a Portuguese company, CFC Tangshan Rolling Stock Unipessoal.
The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation on 5 November 2025 on the basis of indications that this entity could receive external financing, i.e. subsidies that would negatively affect the tendering procedure, allowing the Mota-Engil consortium to submit an unduly favourable offer. This investigation confirmed the preliminary concerns of the European Commission: "The subsidies afraid have indeed provided the consortium with an unfair competitive advantage, to the detriment of another bidders participating in the tender and the integrity of the EU interior market", the EC press release stated.
Portugal CRRC Tangshan Rolling Stock, Unipessoal, LDA, as abbreviated notification on the initiation of the detailed procedure, ‘represents as a local Portuguese administrative and commercial representation of its direct holding company, CRRC Tangshan Co., Ltd, for activities in Europe, in peculiar for large-scale public procurement contracts, e.g. in Lisbon and Porto’. Furthermore, this company is simply a wholly owned subsidiary of CRRC Group corp Ltd, a Chinese state-owned company controlled by the State Administration and Supervision Commission (SASAC) of the Council of the People's Republic of China.
The blocking of Portugal CRRC has created a gap which is likely to be filled by the Polish company PESA Bydgoszcz Spółka Akcyjna (PESA). In view of Pesa, the market-distorting abroad subsidies were not found to exist, so the European Commission agreed to the participation of this company in the Lisbon tender, stating that ‘the final award decision is, however, for the Metropolitano de Lisboa. It is up to the Metropolitano de Lisboa to measure whether the offer consisting of a fresh subcontractor meets all the method and qualitative requirements set out in the tender documentation.’
The European Commission's action was met with a clear criticism of the China Chamber of Commerce in the European Union (CCCEU). She said it that the Chinese company participated in the task only as a subcontractor, and the value of its contract represents little than 10% of the full value of the project, well below the level commonly regarded as indicating a crucial impact in the subcontracts. As a result, the Chamber questioned the grounds for considering the subcontractor to be ‘critical’ and criticised the way in which the investigation was conducted, claiming that the period of 2 to 3 days for providing information and supporting papers was insufficient, especially for abroad companies.
According to the CCCEU, the request to replace a subcontractor straight affects the existing contract structure and tender procedures of the project, disrupting average commercial decisions and importantly expanding uncertainty and compliance costs, and the FSR Regulation gives the European Commission excessive freedom to measure the impact and choice of remedies, which may so limit the participation of Chinese companies in public procurement, mergers and acquisitions and another average business activities in the EU. The CCCEU besides called on the EU to correct practices and guarantee that the implementation of the FSR is strictly in line with the principles of proportionality, non-discrimination, sound process and regulatory transparency, and to avoid marketplace disruption and to guarantee an open, transparent and principle-based business environment.
23.04. Chinese actors on the EU sanctions package against Russia
23 April European Commission adopted 20th package of sanctions targeted at the Russian Federation. It is the largest package in 2 years, aimed at key sectors driving Russian aggression against Ukraine. 20. The EU sanction package covers 120 entities and concerns the freezing of assets and the ban on making funds and economical resources available to them. The fresh entries aim primarily at disrupting Russian energy revenues and military potential.
The package further restricts the Russian military-industrial complex, indicating 58 companies and persons associated with them active in the improvement and production of military goods. In addition to denying Russian military companies access to valuable EU technologies, the package besides refers to Russia's dependence on 3rd countries in the supply of key high-tech products. In particular, the EU has identified 16 entities based in China, the United arabian Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Belarus that have supplied Russian military-industrial complex with dual-use goods or weapons systems. The anti-sanctioning tool allows the EU to restrict the sale, supply, transfer or export of certain goods and technologies and to supply related services sanctioned to 3rd countries utilized to circumvent sanctions.
In response, the Chinese side communicated its opposition and discontent with the decision of the European Union to include a package of sanctions against Russia in Chinese companies. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Trade added that China has repeatedly confirmed its strong opposition to unilateral sanctions imposed without the authority of the UN safety Council, and pointed out that the EU decision contradicts the spirit of consensus reached between Chinese and EU leaders and undermines common trust and Chinese-EU relations. China besides called on the EU to remove Chinese companies and individuals from the list of sanctions, and to address the issues raised through dialog and consultation. He besides stressed that China would take the essential steps to defend the rights and interests of Chinese companies, adding that Europe would bear all the consequences of its action. Beijing indicated that maintain an nonsubjective and impartial position on the Ukraine crisis and committed to promoting peace talks and playing a constructive function in facilitating a political solution.
23.04. Valtonen on the Russian-Chinese origin blocking EU-PRC perspectives
Finnish abroad Minister Elina Valtonen in interview For the South China Morning Post, it stated that a deep partnership between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation is simply a origin blocking the improvement of relations on the Brussels-Pekin line, peculiarly erstwhile it comes to the "freezing" of the subject of a trade or investment agreement between the 2 parties. This is primarily about the Comprehensive Investment Agreement. Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, CAI), which has been in suspension since 2021. According to Valtonen, the deficiency of a condemning consequence to Russia's attack on Ukraine and the refusal of Europe's requests to have a appropriate influence by China's leader on Russia's president Vladimir Putin made the block of united Europe incapable to politically trust Beijing. So political distrust translates into inability to enter into any economical agreement. Moreover, the Finnish chief of diplomacy stated during the interview that "China is the real beneficiary of this war", noting the fact of Russia's drastically increasing dependence on China, which it calls "a younger partner". Furthermore, the documented Chinese support of Russia in the form of dual-use trade is besides something Valtonen found totally unacceptable by the European side. In the following part of the interview, she recalled the words of the Belgian Prime Minister, with whom she agrees that the European Union's current strategy towards China, in which it is seen as a partner, rival and competitor, is becoming little fresh and requires a "paradigmatic change ... more towards geoeconomic realities".
On the words of the Finnish abroad Minister the following day after the interview was published, i.e. 24 April, answered typical of the Chinese abroad Policy Ministry, Guo Jiakun Press Secretary. He was asked by writer Russia present to comment on this interview during his press conference. He besides asked whether China would always consider limiting its relation with Russia if it became a price for continuing trade talks with the EU. In his first words, Guo pointed out that economical relations between China and the Union are, by their nature, "both mutually beneficial" and that it is in the interests of each organization to make dialog and deepen trade and economical cooperation. As regards the Finnish words, the Minister expressed the hope of the PRC that "the Finnish side would look at the average improvement of relations between China and another countries in a rational and nonsubjective manner, keep an open head and refrain from politicising trade or abuse of the concept of safety in commercial matters". However, the Chinese press secretary did not address the second part of the Russian journalist's question Today.
24.04. China added 7 EU players to the list of export control entities
On 24 April, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce reported that it had taken a decision to enter seven entities from the European Union on the list of export controls to defend national safety and national interests and meet global non-proliferation obligations. Among the listed companies are Belgian firearms manufacturers Herstal and FN Browning, German company Hensoldt AG, Czech defence and aviation companies Omnipol, SpaceKnow, Excalibur Army, as well as the Czech Institute for Air investigation and Testing. The export ban is linked to the sale of arms to Taiwan. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce reported in a message that these companies were active in arms sales in Taiwan or ‘were in collusion with Taiwan’.
The Ministry has informed that the ban includes the transfer and supply of dual-use items originating in China to those 7 entities and any related action must be immediately suspended. Double-use items include goods, software or technologies with both civilian and military applications, including certain uncommon earth elements, essential for the production of drones and integrated circuits.
Beijing's decision may indeed be a retaliation for the EU's adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which included 27 Chinese companies accused of assisting Russia and Belarus in circumventing Western sanctions or straight supplying drone components for war production. According to Euro MP Tomáš Zdechovski It is no coincidence that Czech companies are peculiarly affected as the Czech arms manufacture has become very active in supporting Ukraine.
For Europe the minute of introducing specified restrictions is crucial. Governments are trying to increase defence production, reduce the vulnerability of the supply chain and increase resilience following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The export controls applied by China, the main exporter country, uncover another level of hazard of dependence on Beijing, which besides coincides with a broader debate on EU economical security.
The Ministry has signaled, that China reserves the right to approve consignments in individual cases in exceptional circumstances, adding that dual-use exporters may apply to the Ministry erstwhile exports are considered "really necessary" for these entities. According to the Ministry, China informed the European Union about it by means of a bilateral mechanics for dialog on export control before announcing its decision. A spokesperson for the ministry besides said that the Chinese government would work with all countries to safe decisively planet peace and regional stability, as well as to guarantee the stableness of global industrial chains and supplies.
One company, Czech Excalibur Army, reported that it does not straight origin any dual-use technology from China and does not anticipate a crucial impact on its operations. It is worth noting that as many as 4 of the 7 entities on the list come from the Czech Republic, and so abroad Minister Petr Macinka stressed that the Chinese authorities should clarify the situation clearly. applicable instructions were besides sent to the Czech embassy in Beijing.
27.04. Wang Wentao gathering Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Automotive manufacture Association
27 April Chinese Minister for Trade Wang Wentao met with Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Automotive manufacture Association to discuss Chinese-German automotive cooperation, stableness of global automotive supply chains and EU trade restrictions towards China. During the meeting, the Minister stated that China and the European Union achieved a "soft landing" in the dispute over EU tariffs on Chinese electrical vehicles, but at the same time called for the block to comply with WTO rules. He besides expressed the hope that the German Automotive manufacture Association would usage its influence to call on the EU to respect free competition, comply with WTO rules and amend the rules relating to the imposition by the EC of additional duties on imported Chinese electrical vehicles produced since 2024.
China stressed that they would proceed to advance openness, drive advanced quality improvement through advanced quality production forces and support industrial innovation through fair competition. The Minister welcomed the fact that German car manufacturers would deepen their presence in China, exploit the complementary benefits of Chinese partners and jointly lead the global automotive manufacture towards more advanced, intelligent and ecological development. Wang besides noted that protectionist behaviour could endanger Chinese companies and undermine their assurance in investing in Europe. He hoped that the association would play an active function in urging the EU to respect fair competition, comply with WTO rules and revise inappropriate rules to advance a fair, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for cooperation.
The Automotive manufacture Association stressed that it would call on the EU to keep an open automotive market, to encourage Chinese car and spare parts manufacturers to invest in Germany and to deepen German-Chinese and EU-Chinese automotive integration and supply chains. It is besides worth mentioning that in February 2026 the Commission first approved the application of the Volkswagen brand Cupra to exempt its Chinese-produced SUV Tavascan from duties in exchange for setting the minimum price and yearly quota for this model.
27.04. China's consequence to the introduction of the EU Industrial Accelerator
27 April spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce He's spoken up. to the EU Industrial Accelerator task Industrial Accelerator Act) and to the authoritative comments of the Chinese organization to the European Commission. The EU Industrial Accelerator is presented by the European Commission project regulation aimed at expanding the competitiveness of European manufacture and speeding up the decarbonisation of strategical sectors of the economy. The task provides, among others, for the introduction of requirements Made in EU and low-carbon criteria in public procurement and public support systems, simplification of investment procedures and tightening of rules on large abroad investment in strategical sectors specified as batteries, electrical vehicles, solar energy and critical natural materials. The aim of the initiative is to increase the share of manufacture in EU GDP by 20% by 2035 and reduce dependence on suppliers outside the Union.
China reported that on 24 April, it presented its position to the European Commission, expressing its ‘serious concern’ over the proposed regulations. According to Beijing, the bill introduces restrictions on abroad investors in 4 strategical sectors: batteries, electrical vehicles, photovoltaics and critical natural materials. There are peculiar concerns about public procurement and public support rules that like EU products and companies. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce assessed that the task could violate the fundamental principles of the planet Trade Organisation (WTO), including the rule of highest preference and the rule of national treatment. Beijing besides identified possible infringements of GATT 1994, the TRIMS Agreement, TRIPS and the rules on subsidies and countervailing measures.
According to the Chinese party, fresh regulations would lead to discrimination against Chinese investors, undermine the principles of fair competition and negatively affect the investment climate in China-EU relations. Beijing besides argues that government could slow down the EU's energy transition and weaken the competitiveness of the European market. In their comments, China called on the European Commission to remove from the draft rules considered discriminatory, including local content requirements, restrictions on abroad investors, forced technology transfers and restrictions on access to public procurement. The Ministry of Trade has besides announced further monitoring of the legislative process and readiness for dialog with the EU. At the same time, it was noted that if the European Union adopted government affecting the interests of Chinese companies, China can take reprisal action to defend its companies.
27.04. Prévot in China
On 27.04.-01.05. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of abroad Affairs of Belgium Maxime Prévot visited China, visiting Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. The nonsubjective of the journey was to strengthen economical cooperation and to make an intelligent partnership model in the face of increasing global competition.
During his first visit to Hong Kong, Prévot met with the head of administration John Lee. The talks focused on utilizing Hong Kong's unique function as a "super-connector" to facilitate access to Asian markets for European companies, peculiarly within zones specified as Northern Metropolis. The gathering coincided with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Belgian Consulate General in Hong Kong, which highlighted the sustainability of historical trade ties.
In Beijing, Prévot held an authoritative gathering with the abroad Minister of the PRC Wang Yi. The Chinese side noted that Belgium is an crucial partner in Europe and that unchangeable bilateral relations foster the improvement of cooperation between China and the European Union. Wang declared his readiness to open dialog and joint search for contact points in the areas of innovation and green energy, stressing the request to strengthen common trust. Mr Prévot stressed that Europe must accept partnership with China, alternatively of seeking isolation. However, he pointed out the request to reconstruct balance in trade and remove bureaucratic barriers which hinder Belgian entrepreneurs from full exploiting the possible of the Chinese market. The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that although Europe is facing competitive challenges, the key to success is simply a partnership built on clear principles and common access to markets.
An crucial point of the visit was the stay in Shanghai, where the Minister visited the investigation and improvement centre of the Belgian chemical company Syensqo. Prévot there pointed out that technological advantage and innovation are essential to the endurance of European companies in China. The prospects for cooperation in high-tech sectors, including the aerospace, automotive and semiconductor industries, were besides discussed.
The visit besides covered multilateral diplomacy. Both sides exchanged views on the stableness of trade routes and global security. Prévot stressed that Belgium, as an open economy country, is keen to keep free trade and peaceful settlement of disputes through a dialog in which China plays a key function in stabilising the global economy.
In summary, Maxime Prévot pointed to the request for a pragmatic approach to the relation with Beijing. He pointed out that, alongside the promotion of Belgian method cognition and exports, dialog with China remains essential to make common solutions on climate and economical issues, while taking firm care of the interests of European producers and protecting intellectual property.
