Dear ICES friends,
We are delighted to present the latest issue of our biweekly newsletter.
Few relations are as crucial and valuable as the ones - past, present, and future - connecting
Europe and China. At ICES, we believe that regular knowledge-sharing can be the bedrock that empowers
mutually beneficial partnerships and the foundation for fruitful collaborations. Every first and
third week of the month, we highlight the latest developments and fresh ideas across various fields
to enhance cross-continental communication and understanding. We invite you to explore the key
news highlights, insights, and top event recommendations from the past two weeks.
The ICES Takeaway from this Edition
The clock is ticking to resolve EU-China trade friction as the October target set by the
European Commission for Beijing to deliver 'tangible results' on bilateral trade
rebalancing fast approaches.
Media coverage highlighted in this issue of the ICES Bulletin paints a cautious picture
for upcoming talks. EU industry representatives, lawmakers, and even member states
historically open to Chinese investment, such as Germany and the Netherlands, are
increasingly advocating for robust trade defence instruments. While Beijing calls for
continued dialogue, the expanding trade imbalance remains a primary source of political
and economic tension across Europe.
In response to growing industrial concerns, the European Commission is stepping up its
regulatory posture. Brussels has proposed new public procurement guidelines to double down
on European goods and services, introduced the European Product Act to rein in e-commerce
giants such as Temu and Shein, and reiterated its readiness to deploy new trade defence
measures. Drawing attention to an often overlooked element in the EU-China economic
debate, ICES Senior Research Analyst Daniel Balazs examines in
The Diplomat
how strong performance by the AfD in German state elections could add another layer of
volatility to the EU's China policy.
In the meantime, a
webinar
on free trade port governance and connectivity, co-organised by ICES with the ISDP and the
Huayang Center, featured contributions from three expert speakers who examined a broad
range of EU-China maritime dynamics. The discussion culminated in a discussion on potential
synergies between the Hainan Free Trade Port and European ports. This final topic is
explored further in our latest research paper, which you can
read here.
Finally, we are delighted to announce the launch of our
ICES Policy Library,
a new database of EU-China economic security measures designed to help you navigate a
fragmented, nuanced policy environment and see the broader picture. This dataset will be
updated quarterly, accompanied by monthly EU-China Policy
Deep Dives
that offer targeted briefings on high-friction sectors and regulatory packages.
You can already read our
inaugural edition of the Deep Dives
and subscribe to it
here!
ICES wishes you a pleasant read of this edition!
NEWS ROUND
THE WEEKS' HIGHLIGHTS: PROGRESS AND PITFALLS
EU's largest political group doesn't want confrontation with China
Euronews,
September 11, 2026
The European People's Party is drafting a paper advocating for the stronger use of existing trade leverage to rebalance economic relations with China without triggering full decoupling or open confrontation.
China must deliver concrete results by October or face 'harsher measures', EU trade
chief tells Euronews
Euronews,
September 02, 2026
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič warned that Beijing must produce 'concrete results' to rebalance its trade surplus with the bloc by October or face defensive measures, adding the issue had become 'super political.'
EU-CHINA RELATIONS
China threat bolsters support for EU industrial policy
Politico,
September 02, 2026
European industries are backing the European Commission's Industrial Accelerator Act to protect strategic sectors like electric vehicles, steel, and chemicals from an influx of cheap Chinese exports.
China warns EU against market-closure threats, urges equal dialogue
Global Times,
September 03, 2026
China on Thursday warned the EU against threatening to close its market if trade talks fail, and urged the bloc to address concerns on an equal footing and not to make unilateral demands.
Dutch advisory council urges EU to seek China deal – but brace for backlash
SCMP,
September 03, 2026
Advisers to the Dutch government recommend that the Netherlands and the EU seek a trade deal with China to correct imbalances while preparing to implement measures that risk costly retaliation.
Forging new China-EU trade path
China Daily,
September 04, 2026
Despite tension over China's record high first-half 2026 goods trade surplus with the EU, structural factors present opportunities for economic cooperation, such as European corporate profits and the EU's large services trade surplus, alongside China's 15th Five-Year Plan focus on balanced trade.
German firms back tougher EU trade measures on China despite business risks
SCMP,
September 04, 2026
A survey by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry indicates that over half of German firms support stronger EU trade measures against China despite relying on Chinese supply chains and facing retaliation.
European Parliament's report tightens EU investment conditions as China
negotiations heat up
Euronews,
September 08, 2026
Three European Parliament rapporteurs have proposed tightening restrictions on Chinese investment in EU-dominated strategic sectors by lowering the scrutiny threshold to €50 million under the Industrial Accelerator Act.
Competition chief urges EU to talk to China — and defend its own interests
Politico,
September 08, 2026
EU Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera advocates for political dialogue with China as Brussels conducts high-stakes negotiations with Beijing to curb its massive trade deficit.
EU unveils 'buy European' public procurement rules to counter China
The Guardian,
September 09, 2026
The European Commission proposed legislation allowing EU public authorities to exclude companies from non-reciprocal countries, thereby targeting China and prioritising European firms in strategic public procurement markets.
Italian lobby group calls for 80% EU tariff on Chinese cars and parts
Reuters,
September 09, 2026
Anfia's (Italian auto suppliers lobby) President Roberto Vavassori urged the EU to cap Chinese vehicle and component imports at 8% of European registrations and levy 80% tariffs on any excess to protect strategic automotive autonomy.
China's robotic lawnmower industry sets its sights on EU amid bare domestic market
SCMP,
September 09, 2026
Despite an ongoing EU anti-dumping investigation, at least nine Chinese brands showcased robotic lawnmowers at Berlin's IFA trade show to expand their European market presence.
EU Commission eyes major import overhaul to crack down on illegal Chinese products
Euronews,
September 10, 2026
The European Commission plans to introduce the European Product Act on 6 October to curb non-compliant online imports by targeting low-value products from platforms like Temu and Shein.
Why Sweden, once one of Beijing's most outspoken critics in Europe, has changed its
tune
SCMP,
September 11, 2026
Swedish voters are electing a new parliament, with analysts expecting the country to lean more toward Chinese technology regardless of the outcome as businesses prioritise competitiveness over an unreliable United States.
China lodges representations with Italy, EU over Taiwan separatist's visit
China Daily,
September 11, 2026
China has lodged solemn representations with Italy and the European Union over a visit by Taiwan politician Hsiao Bi-khim to Italy, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday.
Anglo nickel deal tests EU resolve over Chinese control of resources
Financial Times,
September 11, 2026
China-backed MMG has urged EU regulators to approve its $500 million acquisition of Anglo American's Brazilian nickel assets based on data rather than geopolitical concerns, despite EU fears that Beijing's increased market control will raise costs for European steelmakers.
EU Parliament ready to take tougher line on China, says lead MEP
Politico,
September 11, 2026
European Parliament rapporteur Pascal Canfin reports growing cross-party consensus on confronting Chinese trade policy, citing Beijing's surging exports and political ambitions as catalysts for EU deindustrialisation.
EU-China Round Table meets in Hangzhou to discuss poverty, AI, trade
China Daily,
September 15, 2026
Representatives from Europe and China convened on Monday in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, for discussions on poverty, social inclusion, people-centered AI, and trade and investment at the 21st meeting of the EU-China Round Table.
China urges 'constructive dialogue' with EU in high-level call with France
SCMP,
September 15, 2026
During a phone call requested by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the EU to resolve trade disputes through constructive dialogue rather than escalation amid tightening EU market regulations and anti-subsidy measures on Chinese electric vehicles.
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE AND REGIONAL ISSUES SELECTED BY THE ICES
Why the EU is giving Arctic shipping the cold shoulder as China and Russia push
ahead
SCMP,
September 04, 2026
Europe is passing its turn on commercial Arctic shipping over polar environmental concerns, navigational risks, amid geopolitical tensions with Russia and China.
EU opens door to bigger corporate mergers
Financial Times,
September 08, 2026
To enhance global competitiveness against the US and China, the European Commission is signalling a greater willingness to approve large corporate mergers that drive scale, innovation, and supply security.
EU spirits exports feel squeeze from US and China trade tensions
Euractiv,
September 09, 2026
EU spirits exports fell 6% to €8.26 billion in 2025 as trade disputes and rising tariffs in the US and China forced producers to seek alternative markets.
WHAT CAUGHT OUR EYE: CURRENT RESEARCH AND COMMENTS
Tough choices ahead as the US pushes a global artificial-intelligence divide
Bruegel,
September 07, 2026
Alicia García-Herrero analyses how the US is pressuring allies to exclude Chinese hardware, software, and governance frameworks, forcing nations to navigate a binary geopolitical split. However, because open-weight AI models diffuse uncontrollably and unilateral controls spur Chinese self-reliance, this strategy risks alienating key international partners.
If the EU is determined to wage a trade war against China, then let it try
Global Times,
September 10, 2026
For the Global Times' editorial team, the EU frames China as a strategic problem rather than a helpful partner, issuing trade ultimatums to address bilateral imbalances while facing its own economic and political instability.
China's artificial intelligence goals and strategic choices for Europe
Bruegel,
September 10, 2026
Alicia García-Herrero and Théo Storella look at China's AI strategy and conclude that China employs state-backed coordination and domestic protectionism to foster AI champions, whereas the US relies on market-driven private investment supplemented by export controls. For them, Europe must rapidly establish a coherent policy framework to match these global strategies.
Divergences and Synergies between European Ports and the Hainan Free Trade Port
ICES,
September 10, 2026
Daniel Balazs reflects on potential policy cooperation between European ports and the Hainan Free Trade Port, grounded in the framework of strategic narratives. Indeed, despite political and regulatory divergence, the EU and China retain overlapping interests that enable technical alignment.
What the AfD's Rise in Germany Means for China-EU Relations
The Diplomat,
September 11, 2026
Daniel Balazs comments on The AfD's strong performance in Saxony-Anhalt and how it reflects broader political dissatisfaction and regional economic anxiety, which is further heightened as rapid market penetration by Chinese firms pressures key European sectors.
EVENTS
Over the past two weeks, the ICES has actively participated in a series of events. We are delighted to share some of our insights:
On 02 September 2026, Bruegel held its Annual Conference, in which one panel discussed how the EU can defend rules-based trade amid weaker cooperation with the US and China. Speakers called for deeper use of FTAs, closer CPTPP and EU-India cooperation, and flexible WTO reform. They also stressed that trade policy must address economic security, digital trade, decarbonisation and China-related imbalances.
Another panel dedicated to 'Mapping Europe's clean energy and industrial transformation' discussed the findings of Bruegel's latest book, the European Clean Tech Atlas, highlighting dependencies on China for clean tech and the need for holistic system-oriented electrification policies.
On 03 September 2026, the Institute of China-Europe Studies (ICES), the Stockholm China Center at the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP) and the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Policy hosted a webinar titled: 'Institutional Opening Up: Advancing Free Trade Port Governance and Connectivity.'
Dr. Joost Hintjens highlighted European hinterland port connectivity, noting that Rotterdam and Antwerp handle 29% of regional maritime traffic due to their location within Europe's economic core.
Guo Wenquin outlined Hainan's potential as a regional hub to expand China-ASEAN trade, fisheries, tourism, and energy transition under China's Five-Year Plan.
Dr. Daniel Balazs analysed EU-China maritime dynamics, identifying green shipping, fishing regulation, data governance, and intermodal transport as key avenues for cooperation despite rising EU economic security policies.
On 11 September 2026, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) presented its latest survey of its members on competition with China and how they adapt to the situation. Aleksandra Kozlowska Dabkowska, China Team leader at the Far East Unit at DG Trade gave a short presentation and answered question on the current stance of Brussels towards Beijing.
CONNECT WITH US
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LinkedIn: Institute for China-Europe Studies (ICES)
Website: ices-eu.org
If you are interested in publishing your article on our website, email us at: info@ices-eu.org, with the Subject 'Article Submission_Name_Surname'.
Thank you for being a part of our newsletter community! We appreciate your continued support and engagement. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in our upcoming editions. If you have any suggestions or feedback, we would love to hear from you.
Please note that all news and views cited in this bulletin, if not otherwise indicated, do not represent the position of ICES.