EU-China relations

EU proposes ‘Made in EU’ rules for strategic sectors to limit China reliance

Critics warn the plans may lead to partners erecting trade barriers

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is well aware of the dangers of a potential two-front trade war with both Beijing and the second Trump administration.

Will Germany find a new economic equilibrium with China?

The Asian country’s domestic slowdown amid a volatile global outlook offers a strategic opening for Berlin to rebalance relations with Beijing

US-Europe relations are at their most serious rupture in decades, perhaps even the post-war era, the writer notes.

Europe thinks through de-risking from the US

Marco Rubio’s conciliatory speech at the Munich Security Conference does little to distract from Trump’s “wrecking ball politics”

French President Emmanuel Macron (left) hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Pyrenees in 2024. Macron has been invited to a tea ceremony in Guangzhou, where Xi’s father formerly resided as governor.

Macron bets on Beijing to save his legacy

The French leader will seek a new economic and diplomatic equilibrium with Chinese President Xi Jinping

There is no levy on packages worth less than 150 euros (S$226.50) imported directly to consumers in EU, in many cases via Chinese-founded platforms, such as Temu.

EU targets China imports, urging small parcel fee from 2026

EU states and the Commission are set to scrap the duty exemption and find a temporary solution for next year

Above: The EU flag in front of the European Central Bank. EU-China relations have been strained by the EU’s “de-risking” strategy to reduce reliance on China, particularly for critical minerals.

Chinese firms say EU business conditions have deteriorated for sixth year

The bloc’s performance in research, talent, digitalisation and market access represents obstacles, a survey by Roland Berger finds

The EU has spent the last several years vowing to protect domestic manufacturers from China.

EU considers forced tech transfers for Chinese investments

Enforcing joint ventures is another option on the table

China’s ruling Communist Party will hold its next key conclave in October, when it will chart development plans for 2026 to 2031.

Europe’s top business lobby in China urges an end to price wars

In July, the Asian nation’s top leadership has emphasised its determination to reduce excess competition in the economy 

Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre), President of the European Council Antonio Costa (left) and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at the 25th EU-China Summit in Beijing on Jul 24.
THE BROAD VIEW

The summit that barely happened: Why EU and China still talk

In geopolitics, showing up can sometimes be half the battle

Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre), President of the European Council Antonio Costa (left) and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (right) pose for a handshake at the 25th EU-China Summit in Beijing, China, on Jul 24.

Xi says China, EU must deepen trust but bloc chief urges ‘real solutions’

China’s leadership has sought to draw the EU closer as it positions itself as a more reliable partner than the US and a bedrock of stability in a troubled world