Authors: Mikołaj Woźniak, Konrad Falkowski. Content support: Łukasz Kobierski
1.07. De Wever-Wang meeting
At the beginning of July this year, the Minister of abroad Affairs of the People's Republic of China travelled respective days to the European capitals – this can be interpreted as a pre-taste before the July summit in Beijing. The first day of July met he with Belgian Prime Minister – Bart De Wever. According to the Chinese Communication, the interlocutors raised the question of the nature of EU-China relations in political and economical terms. The Belgian Prime Minister described his country as "the gateway to EU-China cooperation". Despite the differences in prospects, he felt that "both sides should step up exchanges and increase common trust in the current complex geopolitical situation". He besides stated that Belgium expressed its support for both the multilateral planet and the "more autonomous Europe", besides referring to the future Beijing Summit. He besides added that Belgium consistently adheres to the rule of "one China".
Wang, for his part, pointed out that Belgium, as a founding associate of the European Union, "plays a unique function in the process of European integration and in Chinese-EU relations". De Wever continued to hear the words of praise from the Chinese side, which considered the Belgian policy towards Beijing to be rational and pragmatic. The head of Chinese diplomacy acknowledged that China welcomes the improvement of further Belgian companies in the PRC. He besides expressed hope that the Belgians would supply a "fair, safe and predictable business environment for Chinese companies investing in Belgium". With respect to China's wider relation with a united Europe, Wang noted that both parties, which are "major global powers, markets and civilizations", should make all effort to make a Chinese-European partnership with 1 main nonsubjective – to benefit both stakeholders. Moreover, he said that the modern planet could be the most beneficiary of EU-China cooperation, as both parties as advocates of multilateralism or free trade are the “ anchor of stability” for this world, “becoming mutually credible and strong partners who support each another in achieving success”.
The Belgian Prime Minister and the head of the Chinese Ministry of abroad Affairs besides raised the issue of the war in Ukraine, but the MFA Communication of the PRC first referred to this as ‘a situation in Ukraine’, and secondly did not supply any details on this subject.
3.07. Eighth circular of German-Chinese strategical dialog on Diplomacy and Security
Wang Yi, continuing his tour of Europe, 3 July Stopped in Berlin to participate in the 8th circular of the German-Chinese strategical dialog on Diplomacy and Security. The German side was represented by abroad Minister Johann David Wadephul. A typical of the PRC said: "China-EU and China-Germany have reached a critical point, building on the achievements to date and beginning up to the future. Good Chinese-German relations will not only drive the overall improvement of Chinese-EU relations, but will besides be of large importance for global stableness and development." He further stressed that China and Germany, in order to be the second and 3rd largest economies in the world, bear "important global commitments" and "comply with the expectations of the various parties". Therefore, Berlin and Beijing should make existing cooperation to support the construction of multilateral global governance based on global law and "the core of which is the United Nations", peculiarly in the face of the current turbulent global situation caused by rampant protectionism, progressive deglobalization and current uniteraryism (in the US's guess). He besides noted that understanding, common trust and a rational approach to differences are key to deepening bilateral relations between China and Germany. According to Wang, the Chinese put relations with Germany advanced on their list of diplomatic priorities. He besides expressed his interesting hope that "Germany would support Chinese efforts to accomplish full national unity, just as China unconditionally supported the unification of Germany", and that they would follow closely the rule of "one China". Moreover, it is crucial for Beijing that Germany, as 1 of the main members of the European Union, actively participate in developing Chinese-EU relations. It so envisages the continuation of Berlin's constructive function in this regard.
Wadephul, on the another hand, informed his co-talker that Germany was willing to cooperate with China "as partners worthy of common trust". He pointed out that in the light of the global crises, it is vital that both sides keep close communication and cooperate internationally. According to the information provided in the Chinese Communication, he besides added that the German government officially supports the "one China" policy and looks forward to closer communication and exchange of bilateral cooperation between Berlin and Beijing.
In the context of global security, the Chinese MFA Communication from this gathering informs that German and Chinese representatives exchanged views on, among others, the "crisis in Ukraine", Iran's atomic ambitions and the situation in the mediate East. Both parties agreed on a desire to keep close communication and coordination in order to yet lead to ceasefire and end war.
4.07. Barrot-Wang meeting
4 July French and Chinese abroad Ministers met in the French capital, to discuss matters concerning politics, safety or the economy and trade on both sides. Wang, for his part, stated that China and France, as 2 independent and internationally crucial members of the UN safety Council, should jointly advance and implement the principles of multipolarism, defend free trade and advance peace and improvement in the modern world. He besides expressed the hope that Paris would proceed its commitments to the "one China" policy in order to keep affirmative relations. On trade relations, the Chinese chief of diplomacy stated that China and France set up a mechanics for fast coordination of the full supply chain "from French farm to Chinese table". In his opinion, this reflects the "high level of applicable cooperation". He thus reiterated his hope that the French would cooperate with the Chinese in the continuous improvement and expansion of the bilateral partnership. Moreover, Beijing hopes that Chinese companies in the French marketplace will face a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory and predictable business environment. Wang raised the issue of a dragonfly for the French, i.e. Chinese duties on brandy from Europe. He said here: "The solution to brandy through friendly consultations between China and the European Union shows that both sides are full capable of dealing with friction".
As far as the typical of France is concerned, he stated that "in the face of the complex global situation, France and China, as well as the EU and China, should guarantee greater stableness and rationality for the world". This is why Paris and Beijing keep intensive high-level contacts, and cooperation between capitals brings affirmative results. Barrot admitted that as did China, France is on the side of multilateralism. He added that the French government continues to uphold the "one China" principle. He besides stated that France considers China a key partner of the European Union. He expressed his hope that the July summit would be an chance to deepen this partnership.
The Chinese Communication one more time referred to the issue of Ukraine in a residual way, pointing out that ministers exchanged views on this subject and continuously identifying Russia's violent war as "a crisis in Ukraine".
18.07. Chinese actors for the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia
18 July European Union announced the introduction of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia in connection with its aggression against Ukraine. Ksawery Stawiński and Adam Jankowski wrote more about this as part of a cyclical review "Eye on RussiaTo whom we are sending. ” In the context of EU-China relations, the European Union has again caught up with economical operators originating in the People's Republic of China in its sanctions. As pointed out in the Communication from the European Commission, Chinese and Hong Kong entities, whose activities supply direct or indirect support to the Russian military-industrial complex or engage in the circumvention of sanctions by Russia, have been co-founded in the sanction list. For the first time, the European Union added Chinese banks to the "blacklist". These are Suifenhe agrarian Commercial Bank and Heihe agrarian Commercial Bank, 2 regional lenders from cities located close to the Chinese border with Russia. In accordance with Annex XLV, ‘List of persons, entities and bodies referred to in Article 5ad’ to Regulation Council (EU) 2025/1494 of 18 July 2025, in Part A, as defined by those banks as credit and financial institutions providing crypto-activities services established outside the Union which importantly impede the implementation of sanctions. Sanctions on these banks began to apply from 9 August this year. Furthermore, the same Regulation lists 9 companies from China and Hong Kong, which have been included in the list of entities on which restrictive measures have been imposed in connection with Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine. These are:
- Kalinka Tianjin global Trade Co., Ltd.;
- Arcos Harbin Supply Chain Management Co. Ltd.;
- MKPL Technology HK Co. Ltd.;
- Luchengtech Co Ltd.;
- Xinghua Co Ltd.;
- MKPL Technology HK Co. Ltd.
- CHIP SPACE ELECTRONICS CO. LTD;
- Xinghua Co Ltd.;
- CUVEE Importers Limited.
In addition, Decision Council (CFSP) 2025/1478 of 18 July 2025 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independency of Ukraine, 2 items relating to companies in the People's Republic of China are listed:
- Shandong ODES manufacture Co., Ltd.;
- Wuhan Global Sensor Technology Co Ltd.
As can be read from the descriptions of these companies, the first of them manufactures and sells field vehicles, and after the start of the war in Ukraine, this company began to supply Russian armed ground vehicles for military use. The second company in turn operates in the technology and electronics industry. As indicated in the Decision, "it supplies electronic military equipment, specified as infrared detectors and another optical elements, to the Russian military-industrial complex, supporting the production of military equipment for the Russian armed forces". This decision besides mentions 3 Hong Kong companies:
- Zhu Jiang Shipmanagement Co., Ltd;
- ACE Electronic HK CO., Limited;
- Bellatrix Energy Limited.
Further justifications for these companies can be found in the Decision already mentioned.
21.07. Gordan Grlić Radman visits Beijing
Minister for abroad Affairs of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman It worked. with an authoritative visit to the People's Republic of China. The central point of his two-day presence in Beijing was to meet his Chinese counterpart – Wang Yi. According to a message from the Croatian Ministry, talks focused on both economical and trade fields and regional safety and policy. In this first case, the head of the Croatian MFA stressed the importance of improving access of Croatian companies to the Chinese marketplace and expanding exports of Croatian products, as well as the request to establish a direct aviation link between Croatia and China in order to further advance tourism and economical ties. In the context of safety and the region of Central and east Europe, Radman informed his co-talker, having respect to the Chinese position in the UN safety Council, of Croatia's position on the request to guarantee full equality between the Croats as the constitutional nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, referring here to the peace agreement with Dayton and Paris (1995), which ended the war effort in Croatia and Bosnia during the dissolution of Yugoslavia. As part of his visit, the Croatian minister besides gave a lecture at the Center for China and Globalization, during which he spoke about the objectives of Croatian abroad policy.
For comparison, Chinese message from this gathering indicated that Radman made the following declaration confirming the maintenance of the ‘one China’ policy: ‘the Croatian government respects the policies of 1 China, believing that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing the full of China and Taiwan is an integral part of the territory of China’. Moreover, according to the Communication, Croatia is looking forward to strengthening trade and investment cooperation, bilateral communication and the improvement of human exchange. In the context of the EU-China relationship, Radman stated that "Croatia is supporting the EU and China in resolving circumstantial differences through constructive dialog and promoting the sustainable and unchangeable improvement of the EU-China relationship", and cooperation with Chinese in trade, economy and investment is beneficial for Croatia, peculiarly in the CEE region.
Wang, for his part, besides noted that cooperation with the countries of this area of Europe is simply a "important component of the Chinese-EU relations". In his opinion, Beijing is ready to extend this cooperation with Croatia, based on the principles of openness, transparency and common benefit. He besides called here to respect the thoughts of multilateral global governance and free trade. Wang besides pointed out that on occasion. 20 years of the establishment of a comprehensive partnership between China and Croatia, China wants to strengthen this partnership with the Croats in all possible aspect, besides referring to the Belt and way Initiative.
It is worth noting that no of the mentioned ministerial messages raised the problems of the war in Ukraine.
7.08. China bans imports of Spanish poultry due to avian influenza
7 August 2025 Chinese customs administration announced ban on imports of poultry and poultry products from Spain following the detection of an outbreak of avian influenza. This decision was intended to defend sanitary safety in China. The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture stressed that the ban would not have a crucial impact on current trade, as poultry exports to China, including turkeys and chicken feet, have not yet begun. In April 2025, both countries signed the export protocol, but Spanish companies were only at the phase of submitting applications for authorisation of shipments. The reason for the decision was a case of avian influenza detected on August 4, 2025 in the Basque Country of northern Spain. The Spanish veterinary authorities have reported on their cooperation with the planet Organisation for Animal wellness (WOAH) to control the situation and reconstruct trade opportunities with China.
12.08. China breaks ties with the Czech president after his gathering with the Dalai Lama
On 27 July 2025, president of Czech Petr Pavel held a private visit to India, during which he met with the XIV Dalai Lama, Tändzin Gjamccho, to personally congratulate him on his 90th birthday. During the same trip, president Pavel besides hosted the leaders of the Tibetan Government in exile, which was considered a uncommon and symbolic gesture. The Tibetans themselves described the visit as “historic”. Despite the private nature of this trip, as Reflex.cz notes, specified a gathering takes on a political dimension and sends a strong signal towards Beijing.
Reaction China was very determined. On 28 July, the Chinese embassy in Prague expressed a "strong opposition" to the gathering and called on the Czech Republic to follow the "one China" policy, informing of signals that could support separatist movements. The explanatory memorandum torpedoed the actions of the Czech president as "a manifestation contrary to a political commitment" to China.
However, the Chinese Ministry of abroad Affairs was not officially completed on August 12 suspension any contact with president Pavl, indicating that his action constitutes a serious violation of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Communication besides stresses that China's relations with the Czech government as a full stay in force, limiting sanctions to the president only of the Presidential Palace in the Czech Republic. answeredthat the gathering was completely private and had no influence on the abroad policy so far, as no direct communication between the Czech Republic and China was presently taking place at the presidential level.
It is worth noting that in the Czech Republic itself the reaction was different The calibre — the president’s gathering met with large public support. The Central European Institute of Asian Studies reported that most Czechs have a negative attitude towards China's policy, and almost 60% of respondents are critical of China; while more than 50% welcome the fact that any politicians meet the Dalai Lama despite Beijing's opposition.
13.08. China imposes countermeasures against 2 EU banks
The European Union imposed sanctions on 2 Chinese banks, Heihe agrarian Commercial Bank and Heilongjiang Suifenhe agrarian Commercial Bank, on 9 August 2025, accusing them of ties to Russia and violating a package of EU sanctions against Moscow. The Chinese Ministry of Trade considered this decision to be a violation of global law and of the basic standards of global relations, arguing that sanctions seriously harm economical cooperation and infringe the rights of legitimate companies.
In consequence China introduced retaliation against 2 banks from Lithuania: UAB Urbo Bankas and AB Mano Bankas. The decision includes a complete ban on transactions and cooperation between these institutions and organisations and individuals in China, with restrictions coming into force immediately.
Chinese authorities called At the same time, the European Union to respect the existing economical partnership and to retreat actions that, in Beijing's view, harm bilateral relations and could exacerbate political and economical tensions. The Ministry of Trade stressed that China will proceed to take the essential steps to defend its sovereignty, safety and improvement interests. As Reuter's agency noted, this escalation fits into a broader geopolitical context – the European Union has been signalling its concerns about China's function in the conflict in Ukraine for months.
18.08. China is extending the anti-subsidy investigation against imported milk products from the European Union
On 18 August of this year, the Ministry of Trade of the People's Republic of China announced extending the ongoing anti-subsidy proceeding against imports of dairy products from the EU for an additional six months — until 21 February 2026 — citing the complexity of the case and compliance with national anti-subsidy rules.
The proceeding was initiated on 21 August 2024 on the basis of a formal request made by the Chinese Dairy Association and the Chinese Dairy manufacture Association, which represent the interests of home producers, as we wrote in August “Review” from last year. At the time, the applicants argued that EU dairy producers benefit from unfair subsidies, which led to an influx of low-cost products and causing serious financial and operational harm to the Chinese sector.
Zhou Mi expert from the Chinese Academy for global Trade, speaking for “Global TimesHe pointed out that the extension of the deadline was justified due to the complex structure of the grants — both at EU and associate State level — which makes it hard to gather evidence and to carry out a reliable analysis. It was indicated that the survey afraid 20 different EU dairy subsidy schemes covering countries specified as Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Italy and Croatia. The investigation in the present form includes imports of fresh cheeses, processed cheeses, blue cheeses and selected products with advanced fat content. The scope of the subsidy investigation covers the period from April 2023 to March 2024, while the economical impact is analysed in a broader period — from January 2020 to March 2024.
Where subsidies were found to exist, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce reserved the anticipation of countervailing duties in accordance with WTO rules. It was besides stressed that the appropriate investigation procedure is crucial for maintaining and developing trade cooperation between China and the EU, and the EU side has been called upon to take a technological and nonsubjective approach to resolving commercial disputes.
20.08. fresh Chinese Ambassador to Poland
20 August to Poland arrived fresh typical of the People's Republic of China to the degree of Ambassador Lu Shan, born in 1971, having a degree in literature. It became the 21st Ambassador of the PRC to Poland. According to Polish Radio, Lu is an experienced diplomat, who first served as manager of the Department of European Affairs in the Chinese Ministry of abroad Affairs – he worked there, among others, in cooperation with the countries of Central and east Europe. In turn, from 2022 to 2025 he worked at a Chinese facility in Burkina Faso. He succeeded Sun Linjiang as Chinese ambassador to Warsaw, who due to appointment as a peculiar typical of China for the Eurasian Affairs had to resign from the management of the Chinese facility in Poland.
One of the first activities of the fresh ambassador was submission On 28 August, copies of the credentials on the hands of the Deputy Minister of abroad Affairs of Poland, Wojciech Zajączkowski, while exchanging views with him on the current relations between Warsaw and Beijing. 2 days later, the Chinese embassy published Lu's account of celebrations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the triumph in the war of opposition of the Chinese people against nipponese aggression and in the planet Anti-Fascist War.
25.08. Martin D's espionage case – continued
In the November edition "Review“ We have provided information on the arrest in Germany of an American, Martin D., accused of spying on the People’s Republic of China. He was arrested in Frankfurt am Main by officers of the national Criminal Police Office.
On August 25, 2025, the national lawyer General submitted in a higher national court, an authoritative indictment against a U.S. citizen. He is suspected of a peculiarly serious crime, i.e. offering his abroad intelligence services in order to carry out agent activities. According to the indictment, between 2017 and the spring of 2023 Martin D. was employed as a civilian contract worker of the US Department of Defense. Not later than 2020, he was stationed on an American military base in Germany. In the summertime of 2024, he repeatedly contacted Chinese state authorities, offering them delicate information regarding the US Armed Forces. The fishy has been in custody since November 7, 2024, in accordance with an arrest warrant issued earlier by the national Court of Investigation.
