Written by: Mikołaj Wozniak, Karolina Czarnowska. crucial support: Łukasz Kobierski
02.02 3rd EU-China dialog on water policy
Third gathering of the China-EU dialog mechanics on water policy held on 2 February at the EU office in Brussels. The mechanics for dialog between China and the EU on water policy was established in 2017 to improve the level of communication, exchange and cooperation on water policy between China and the European Union. The subject of the gathering was "to deepen cooperation on water management and to increase water resilience".
Jessica Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water resilience and a competitive circular economy, and Li Guoying, Chinese Minister of Water Resources, discussed approaches to addressing rising water scarcity nationally and globally through targeted policy measures. Commissioner Roswall presented EU strategy to advance water resilience aimed at restoring and protecting the water cycle in order to guarantee access to clean and affordable water and sanitation for all while building a water-saving economy. Minister Li stressed that the doctrine of managing the water resources of president Xi Jinping should be followed, which assumes prioritising the protection of water resources, balanced spatial distribution, a systematic approach and promoting synergies between the government and the market.
Commissioner Roswall pointed out that global water request is expected to exceed available water by 40% by 2030, making water 1 of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying stated during the gathering that, in the face of climate change, comprehensive increases in water resilience and ensuring water safety pose urgent challenges for all countries. The Chinese side besides presented the affirmative results achieved in the efforts of the measurement to implement the water-saving strategy and policy, including improving the efficiency of water usage in agriculture, reducing water consumption and emissions in manufacture and reducing water losses in urban areas.
During the conference, representatives of China and Europe gave method presentations on 3 key topics: the protection of water resources and their efficient use, the digital management of water resources and the global management of water resources, and announced the continuation of cooperation on global water challenges.
03.02. The European Commission launches a detailed investigation into abroad subsidies concerning Goldwind’s wind energy activities in the EU
The European Commission has launched detailed Investigation of abroad subsidies as regards the production and sales of wind turbines and the provision of related services in the EU by Goldwind discipline & Technology Co., Ltd, originating in the People's Republic of China. The Commission expressed concerns that Goldwind could receive abroad subsidies that could distort the functioning of the EU interior market. The Goldwind Technology investigation is the first case in which the EU launched a detailed investigation into a single Chinese wind energy company.
The Commission initiated an investigation ex officio in April 2024. The preliminary findings of the investigation show that these abroad subsidies are likely to include subsidies, preferential taxation measures and preferential financing in the form of loans. These measures may improve Goldwind's competitive position on the marketplace and consequently adversely affect competition in the supply of wind turbines and related services in the EU.
Regulation on abroad subsidies It began to apply on July 13, 2023. It allows the Commission to address the 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 remaining open to trade and investment.
4 February Ministry of Trade spokesperson issued a strong statement initiating an investigation by the European Commission. He stated that the investigation unduly generalises the concept of abroad subsidies and is characterised by insufficient evidence and deficiency of transparency of procedures. The Chinese side besides indicated that this is simply a typical example of utilizing fair competition as an excuse for protectionism.
Ministry of Commerce declared besides that China consistently advocates dispute resolution through dialog and consultation and opposes politicisation and over-security of commercial and economical issues. The EU has been called upon to immediately correct its erroneous practices, to exercise caution in the usage of the investigative tool and to make a fair, fair and predictable marketplace environment for cooperation between China and the EU.
11.02. Wang-Szijártó meeting
On 11 February 2026, Budapest took place meeting abroad Minister Wang Yi with Hungarian abroad Minister Péter Szijjártó. The Hungarian side stressed that Hungary is the first European country to visit Wang this year, which clearly shows the importance China attaches to cooperation with Hungary. Szijjártó besides called Wang a friend and noted that it was their twenty-fourth individual gathering in the last eleven and a half years. He besides stressed the importance of a previously signed strategical partnership agreement between countries. The visit aimed, inter alia, at reviewing the results achieved in this partnership.
The visit of the Chinese abroad Minister is besides crucial for Chinese abroad direct investment. The Hungarian minister pointed out that Hungary was the largest beneficiary of Chinese investments in 2025, thanks to which modern technologies enter the country, fresh jobs are created and the Hungarian economy is besides strengthened. Mr Szijártó besides stressed that Hungary highly appreciates China's efforts to advance peace, while both sides work together on the issue of peace in Ukraine.
Chinese side stressed that both sides should make effective usage of mechanisms and platforms, specified as the Joint economical Committee and the Committee on technological and method Cooperation, and make cooperation in fresh areas specified as artificial intelligence, the digital economy and fresh energy sources. It was besides pointed out that the Chinese government encourages home companies to operate in Hungary, while at the same time hoping that the Hungarian side would supply a better business environment and greater political support.
Wang besides pointed to China's relation with the European Union. He stressed that, within 50 years of diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation has produced fruitful results, proving that China is simply a partner, not a rival, and an opportunity, not a risk. He besides expressed the belief that over time more and more European countries will see a trustworthy and long-term partner in China, and the Hungarian side will proceed to actively advance cooperation between China and the EU.
12:02. Ombudsman of the Chinese Ministry of Trade He Yadong on Electrical Vehicle Trafficking between China and the EU
A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce informedChina is ready to work with the EU to advance an open and unchangeable marketplace environment for the improvement of the electrical car manufacture on both sides.
Comment This was a consequence to the media request at a press conference on the European Commission's consent to the exemption from the duties of the Volkswagen brand SUV manufactured in China. The Chinese Ministry of Trade changed its position by accepting the anticipation for Chinese car manufacturers to open independent negotiations with the EU on the import of electrical vehicles. Beijing had previously called on Brussels not to make separate discussions with Chinese car manufacturers, despite the fact that the Union organization allows car manufacturers to apply for work exemptions for certain models of electrical vehicles manufactured in China. For China, the work exemption mechanics represents a better alternate to the multi-level tariff structure, first introduced in 2024, which is importantly different from the car maker and is in force for 5 years. In fact, the fresh legal framework opens up 3 possibilities for car manufacturers: payment of the duty, effort to set a minimum price or production in Europe to completely circumvent the duties.
The Ombudsman besides reported that, after respective rounds of negotiations between China and the EU, both parties reached an agreement under the WTO rules. In line with the agreement, both China and the EU support Chinese electrical vehicle manufacturers in the usage of price undertakings, and the EU has published a guide paper after negotiations and committed itself to an impartial and non-discriminatory assessment process. The Ombudsman besides added that China expects more Chinese companies to scope price agreements with the EU.
It is worth noting that Chinese car manufacturers have importantly increased their presence in Europe and Chinese brands reached 11% share in the European marketplace for electrical vehicles throughout the year 2025.
12:02. MOFCOM regrets the EU decision to request the WTO to set up an expert panel on the licensing of essential patents
Chinese Ministry of Commerce regretted the European Union's decision to ask the planet Trade Organisation to set up a Panel on Dispute Resolution in consequence to Chinese court rulings on standard patents necessary. EU Decision it was announced on 12 February and it follows from the fact that, according to the EU, Chinese companies utilizing European technology are gaining unfair advantage as their portfolios of standard patents may contain EU patents without the consent of the holders of these patents. According to the European Union, these practices are incompatible with the WTO Agreement on trade aspects of intellectual property rights, and WTO consultations with China in April 2025 did not bring a solution.
The Chinese organization announced that it would decently consider the proposal in accordance with WTO dispute resolution procedures and would defend its rights and interests and stressed that China has always given large importance to protecting intellectual property rights.
13,02. Trilateral Wang-Barrot-Wadephul gathering at the margin of the Munich safety Conference
The Munich safety Conference, which runs from 13 to 15 February, gathered not only representatives of many European countries but besides countries outside our region. This is primarily about the United States, India, China or even the Philippines. Nevertheless, he is simply a Chinese representative, Minister of abroad Affairs Wang Yi, who is facing a series in this text. As part of this event, the head of Chinese diplomacy met with many ministers in the form of bilateral talks, but for the first time the gathering took place tripartite, which was attended by the said abroad Minister of China, as well as German counterparts Johann Wadephul and France, Jean-Noël Barrot.
At the very beginning, Wang outlined the situation in the modern planet and the changes in it. He stated that "the planet has been going through the deepest and most complex changes since planet War II." Therefore, in his view, it is essential to keep common respect, to prosecute a common position, while putting aside differences, and to advance openness and cooperation, so that China and Europe's relations can make in the right, affirmative direction, especially erstwhile "uniteraryism, protectionism and force policies grow". The affirmative improvement of relations will supply greater stableness and certainty today. In developing the EU-PRC relationship, the head of Chinese diplomacy pointed out that the last 50 years of bilateral cooperation show that "China and Europe are partners alternatively than rivals". Moreover, in his opinion, ‘codependence is not a hazard ... the convergence of interests is not a threat and openness and cooperation do not undermine security’. Wang so hoped that Germany and France, assuming that China's improvement was an chance for Europe alternatively than a danger, would be advocates within the EU "in building an nonsubjective and comprehensive knowing of China, in pursuing a rational and pragmatic policy towards China, and will proceed to see China-European relations as a partnership".
Wadephul, for his part, stressed the request for dialog and communication with China in the face of global tensions – in his view Germany and France "need dialog with China more than ever" to build common trust and resolve disagreements. He further pointed out that Germany attaches large importance to China's affirmative function in global affairs and is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Beijing. He besides confirmed that Germany and France proceed to support the "one China" policy, and thus "are ready to make long-term, unchangeable relations with China". The another Europeans, on the another hand, highlighted France's willingness to cooperate with China and Germany to advance planet peace and improve global governance. Barrot felt that in the current “unstable global scene” it was essential to build partnerships between countries alternatively of competition, which requires France's in-depth cooperation with these countries. He pointed out that France supports the global governance initiative presented by the president of the PRC and expects communication and coordination in multilateral global fora.
At the end of the press release of Xinhua, the interlocutors besides exchanged their views on "the most crucial issues in Chinese-European relations and issues of common interest" – as part of this, the "crisis in Ukraine" was mentioned, but no further information was given.
13,02. Wang-Barrot gathering at the margin of the Munich safety Conference
After a tripartite meeting, Wang Yi met again with the head of the French abroad Ministry Jean-Noël Barrot, this time personally. Meeting was reported by the Chinese press agency Xinhua. According to this account, Wang urged both China and France to make a joint effort to "protect the position and function of the United Nations and prevent the planet from returning to the law of the jungle". He further noted that the turbulence of the present planet is threatening the improvement of a multilateral global system, which China advocates. In his opinion, therefore, "the 3 main countries should unite to defend the objectives of the United Nations Charter, actual multilateralism and the free trade system, and to supply the planet with more affirmative energy," he added, without specifying which countries are hiding under the word "three major countries". It can be suspected that it was China, France and Germany, referring to the tripartite meeting. The head of Chinese diplomacy noted that since the French President's last visit to China the relation between Beijing and Paris has remained “at a affirmative and dynamic level”. Therefore, it is appropriate to extend existing cooperation in both conventional and fresh areas. Wang besides highlighted the request to address the issue of global governance, more specifically the deficit in this area. Its remedy is to coordinate China and France and to support multilateral initiatives of each party.
Barrot, on the another hand, felt that president Macron's visit to China in 2025 had contributed to deepening strategical communication and a number of crucial common arrangements between the 2 leaders. He besides confirmed France's attachment to the "one China" policy. Moreover, in the opinion of the French diplomat, France is ready to cooperate with China and to deepen it in many fields, as well as to engage in dialog and consultation in order to resolve existing disputes.
The Chinese origin at the very end states that the interviewers exchanged views on the "crisis in Ukraine" and Iran's atomic issue, without developing these themes.
13,02. Wang-Wadephul gathering at the margin of the Munich safety Conference
On the margins of the Munich safety Conference Chinese abroad Minister Wang Yi met besides with his German counterpart – Johann Wadeful. The talks had a bilateral dimension, as before with a typical of the French abroad Ministry. During his conversation with Wadeful Wang, he called on both China and Germany to "enhance strategical communication and joint opposition to uniteraryism and block confrontation". As with Barrot, here besides Wang stressed the request to replace the “law of the jungle” with global governance. In addition, he noted that China and Germany should cooperate to establish stableness in the current world, which he called "uneasy". ‘[...] The global order is experiencing major crises, and multilateralism faces serious challenges," he added. Therefore, in his opinion, enhanced strategical communication between Beijing and Berlin is essential to counter dangerous tendencies in modern times. Wang further pointed out that his country was ready to make high-level exchanges, and besides "to add a fresh dimension to the strategical partnership between China and Germany". This would besides translate into an improvement in Chinese-EU relations. He saw economical cooperation as the basis for China and Germany's relations, and stressed that "China seeks to open up to advanced standards and is willing to support a market-oriented, law-based and internationalised business environment so that German and abroad companies can benefit from China's improvement opportunities".
For his part, Wadephul said that "the steady improvement of German-Chinese relations can supply the very essential stableness to a planet marked by instability and unrest." He besides expressed his satisfaction with Chinese business openness as Germany ‘has advanced expectations of the Chinese market’. Furthermore, erstwhile representing Berlin's position, he stated that Germany wanted to further make economical cooperation with China and was opposed to the policy of "decoupling", protectionism, but pointed out that fair competition is the basis for healthy relations. Like Barrot, Wadephul assured his Chinese co-talker that Germany became faithful to the politics of “one China”.
The communication from the Chinese news agency Xinhua, from which the above information originates, besides stated that Wang and Wadephul besides discussed "the crisis in Ukraine and "other global and regional issues", but in this case without much detail.
14.02. Wang-Macinek gathering at the margin of the Munich safety Conference
Wang Yi, the head of Chinese diplomacy met in the Munich safety Conference with another European counterpart. This time it was the Czech abroad Minister Petr Macinka.
According to the message message The gathering was held on 14 February and the conversation was an initiative of Macinka. At the time, Wang stated that "China and the Czech Republic boast a tradition of friendship", and that 2026 was a Jubilee year in the context of Beijing and Prague's conclusion of a strategical partnership 10 years ago. The Chinese minister stressed that China appreciates the efforts and actions of the fresh Czech government to "rapidly return bilateral relations to the way of healthy development". This is peculiarly important, noting the tense relations between Czech president Petr Pavle and the Chinese administration. Wang so stressed in the course of Beijing's discussion of hope that under these fresh conditions, "the Czech side will make a appropriate perception of China, will zealously respect the rule of 1 China and respect basic Chinese interests". Furthermore, Wang stated that Beijing hoped to strengthen cooperation and common trust so as to "make up for lost time".
Macinka, for his part, stated (according to the narration of the Chinese message) that the Czech Republic value “traditional relationship with China”. He besides referred to the question of "one China" policy, stating that "Czech Republic is powerfully active in the policy of 1 China, considers the People's Republic of China to be the only legitimate government representing the full of China and respects and supports China in protecting their sovereignty and territorial integrity". The Czech Republic so hopes to improve relations with the People's Republic of China and to deepen cooperation in fields specified as economy and trade, tourism and inter-human and cultural exchanges.
About the gathering reported besides the Ministry of abroad Affairs of the Czech Republic through a post on platform X, but not giving besides much details. What is worth noting is the fact that Macinka was to address the issue of direct flights from the Czech Republic to Shanghai during the interview.
14.02. Wang Yi on EU-PRC relations at the Munich safety Conference
In addition to gathering with his counterparts Wang Yi at the Munich safety Conference, he besides gave his speechin which he raised many themes, including the issue of Chinese-European relations.
Namely, at the outset, he emphasized the civilisational importance of China and Europe and the function of these civilizations in the modern world: "They are essential poles in this multipolar world," Wang stated. Thus, in his opinion, the decisions and elections taken by both China and Europe at this point are crucial in shaping the future of the world. Wang sees this future in multipolarity and economical globalisation. "China and Europe are partners, not rivals. As long as we keep this in mind, we will be able to make the right decisions in the face of challenges, prevent the planet from falling into divisions and proceed to make human civilization," said the Chinese head of diplomacy, referring here to the European strategy towards the PRC, in which this country is seen in 3 ways: firstly as a partner in cooperation, secondly as an economical competitor and thirdly as a systemic rival. At the end of this section of his statement, Wang highlighted the power of cooperation, in this case between China and Europe, to build a better world.
17.02. SGWP introduces restrictions on Chinese vehicles in military facilities
On 17 February, the General Staff of the Polish Army (SGWP) published on its website message entitled ‘New safety requirements for vehicles entering protected military facilities’. Taking into account the details of this Communication, it can be noted that ‘the Head of the General Staff of the Polish Army has decided to prohibit the entry of motor vehicles produced in the People's Republic of China into protected military premises’. This decision was supported by the results of a hazard analysis related to "the increasing integration of digital systems in vehicles and the possible for uncontrolled collection and usage of data by these systems". According to the SGWP statement, the aim of this step is to "enhance the protection of military infrastructure and reduce possible safety risks". Moreover, in addition to vehicles themselves, the ban besides includes linking business phones to informationtainment systems in vehicles originating in China. The presence of Chinese motor vehicles will be allowed in the protected areas of military facilities only if the location, image or sound recording functions are disabled and provided that the ‘appropriate preventive measures resulting from the protection of the facility’ are applied. At the end of the Communication, it was informed that specified measures were of a preventive nature and are "consistent with NATO practices and another allies to guarantee the highest standards of defence infrastructure protection".
24.02. Visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to China
24 February German Chancellor Friedrich Merz together with a large multisectoral business delegation came to China. It was his first journey to this country as Chancellor. During the visit, Merz visited 2 cities – Beijing and Hangzhou. This journey was accompanied by 5 guiding objectives: strong and competitive Germany as a condition for smart policy towards China, a hazard simplification policy (derisking), fair and transparent competition, China as a fresh power and a policy towards China embedded in a European context. Chancellor besides announced subsequent visits the applicable ministers later in the year. Merz besides welcomed the leadership of the high-level business delegation in China during the Chinese fresh Year's Horse, stating that this is simply a full expression of Germany's advanced designation and expectations of deepening German-Chinese economical and commercial relations.
On 25 February, the Chancellor met with president Xi Jinping. While talking Xi stressedthat China and Germany are the world's second and 3rd largest economies and that their relations have a crucial impact on Europe and the full world, which is peculiarly crucial in the face of the current global changes.
President Xi made 3 proposals for further improvement of Chinese-German relations. Firstly, both countries should be reliable partners, mutually supportive and cooperate for the sustainable and sustainable improvement of bilateral relations. Secondly, both countries should be innovative partners who advocate openness and mutually beneficial results, search greater synergies between improvement strategies, advance the flow of talent, cognition and technology, and advance dialog and cooperation on artificial intelligence and another modern technologies. In addition, both countries should jointly guarantee the stableness and seamless improvement of industrial chains and supplies. Thirdly, both countries should be partners who realize each another and who have close links through cultural and interpersonal exchanges. Xi besides pointed out that China and Germany should keep the central position of the UN, and hopes that the European side will work with China to make Chinese-European relations. Both leaders besides exchanged views on the "crisis in Ukraine".
Chancellor Merz besides held meeting with the Prime Minister of the PRC Li Qiang. During the discussion, Li Qiang pointed out that, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, relations and cooperation between China and Germany are constantly developing, while China is ready to cooperate with Germany to strengthen dialog and communication, to increase political common trust, to enrich the comprehensive Chinese-German strategical partnership, to advance deeper and more applicable cooperation between both countries and to continually improve the well-being of both nations. He besides pointed out that the next five-year plan would supply even more opportunities for Chinese-German economical and trade cooperation. China is ready to cooperate with Germany to make effective usage of dialog mechanisms, specified as government consultations, to make communication, trade, boost cooperation in sectors specified as automotive and chemicals, as well as another developing areas specified as artificial intelligence and biomedicine. The Prime Minister of the PRC confirmed that China is prepared to import more quality German products and encourage and support Chinese companies to invest in Germany and hopes that Germany will supply a fair, unchangeable and predictable business environment for companies. Both sides should support universities, investigation institutions and companies in R & D, technology transfer, cognition flow and talent, and support trade and cooperate to make China's relations with the EU.
The German side indicated, that trade between the 2 of the world's 3 largest economies is of large importance, going beyond the borders of these countries, as illustrated by the Chinese side ordering an additional 120 aircraft from Airbus. Merz stressed that fair and transparent competition and compliance with the rules are a prerequisite for continuing the success of bilateral cooperation. The Chancellor besides noted trade imbalances, overcapacity in China and restrictions on access and exports. The issue of peace cooperation was besides raised. As China has advanced to the midst of powers whose voice is heard in the world. Merz asked Chinese representatives to usage their influences to end Russian aggression against Ukraine. He besides stressed the importance of avoiding escalation in the Indo-Pacific region, stressing Germany's commitment to a "single China" policy.
During visits to Hangzhou Merz visited Mercedes-Benz, Unitree and Siemens Energy branches. The Chancellor stressed that each was an awesome example of successful cooperation and technological development. During the trip, fresh business contacts were established or existing ones were strengthened. Merz besides said that Germany and China inactive gotta address the competition issue, as a consequence of which he advocated open discussion of hard topics during future meetings. The Chancellor advocated further strengthening relations with China, both in political talks and economical cooperation, resulting in a consultation between the German and Chinese governments at the end of this year or at the latest next year.
After the talks were concluded, the politicians of both parties shared in signing cooperation papers in areas specified as green transformation, customs, athletics and media.
