Dear ICES friends,
We are delighted to present the latest issue of our bi-weekly 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 second half of November once again illustrated the complex nature of EU-China relations
with progress on issues such as tariffs and rare earth materials but also disagreement on
European preference and general worries over the security of EU member states. China and
Germany pledged to increase economic coordination following the 4th China German High-Level
Financial Dialogue, the Netherlands stepped back on the Nexperia dispute, and rare earth
materials rhetoric in the EU is shifting as the EU aims to have easier access to critical
raw materials licences coming from China. On the other hand, the EU continues its de-risking
strategy in practice, trying to safeguard its bidding processes of public infrastructure
manufacturing and ownership from ending up into Chinese hands.
What marked China's diplomatic agenda perhaps more recently, however, has been its relationship
with Japan, as the Japanese Prime Minister mentioned a potential military intervention if Taiwan
were to be attacked. This prompted strong countermeasures from China and diplomatic offensives
in bilateral talks including with the EU countries and in multilateral fora such as the United
Nations. On the other hand, the EU has been preoccupied with the latest development in the Ukrainian
peace process. What the recent events showcased is that the EU-China relation cannot be separated
from a wider international context. Indeed, while the Russian and American sidetracking of the
EU might trigger the latter to further reduce its economic and security dependence, it might
also contribute to appeasing tensions on certain matters with China.
NEWS ROUND
THE WEEKS' HIGHLIGHTS: PROGRESS & PITFALLS
China, Germany reach outcomes after discussions
China Daily, November 19, 2025
China and Germany committed to strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination. These commitments follow the 4th China-Germany High-Level Financial Dialogue, which outcomes should ease trade tensions and reinforce cooperation.
Keeping China at bay: EU countries tighten rules on port and railway bids
Politico, November 28, 2025
EU countries are putting new measures in place to protect critical public infrastructure such as ports IT or rails, as the bidding for their ownership and manufacturing is deemed to go to « hostile states ». This is likely to bring about new legislation that will take aim at China.
EU-CHINA RELATIONS
Softer words, harder policy: EU recalibrates on China as it seeks rare earths
breakthrough
South China Morning Post, November 17, 2025
EU officials are changing their stance on rare earths communication, hoping to de-escalate the current tense situation with China. While de-risking measures are still being put into place, the bloc hopes to resume the import of Chinese critical minerals.
Flanders urges EU action against Chinese tariffs on Belgian pork
Belga News Agency, November 17, 2025
Flanders’ minister of agriculture is putting pressure on the EU Commission to put an end
to
62.4% tariffs
currently imposed on Belgian pork by China.
The high tariffs come as part of the
conclusions of a Chinese anti-dumping investigation.
Notice of initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of robot lawn
mowers originating in the People’s Republic of China
Official Journal of The European Union, November 19, 2025
The European Commission received a complaint on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union, alleging that imports of robot lawn mowers, originating in the People’s Republic of China are being dumped.
China, EU push Nexperia and Chinese owner to end ‘corporate dispute’ amid chip
concerns
South China Morning Post and
CNBC
, November 27–28, 2025
The EU and China expressed that
the Dutch and Chinese units of Nexperia
should resolve their dispute at
corporate level.
The Dutch unit of Nexperia is now calling upon its Chinese counterpart to resume supply chain
operations in an
open letter, while
Wingtech (Nexperia’s Chinese parent company), argues the
current production stopped because the
Dutch government initially overtook the local unit.
Premier Li Qiang urges Germany to be ‘rational and pragmatic’ on China policy
South China Morning Post, November 24, 2025
Premier Li Qiang met with German Chancellor Chancellor Friedrich Merz and urged him to "adhere to a rational and pragmatic China Policy," at the G20 summit in South Africa.
Reality check for EU: China is eating your lunch, find growth at home, ECB chief
economist argues
Reuters, November 26, 2025
As the world economy is durably transformed by US tariffs and structural evolutions, Europe is in need to find new ways to grow, especially in its domestic market, according to ECB chief economist.
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE INSIGHTS SELECTED BY THE ICES
Europe refuses to be tech ‘vassal’ of China and US, France’s Macron says
South China Morning Post, November 19, 2025
French President declared that Europe does not want to be a “vassal” that is dependent on US and Chinese tech companies. French officials specified that this should not be taken as a confrontational move but an expression of European preference.
China’s top envoy blasts EU climate goals and Trump’s ‘bad example’
Politico, November 17, 2025
According to China’s climate envoy, to COP30, the EU’s new targets are insufficient and the USA' absence sets a « bad example ». Liu Zhenmin defended China’s climate efforts against recent criticisms. However hopes of cooperation between the EU and China were renewed.
G20 summit in South Africa adopts declaration despite US boycott, opposition
Reuters, November 23, 2025
G20 leaders adopted a declaration on the climate crisis as well as other global challenges, which was met in turn by the USA with objections and accusations. The summit declaration was however adopted by overwhelming consensus.
ICES-NOTED REGIONAL ISSUES
Diplomatic row between China and Japan over PM remarks spreads to international scene
Reuters and
NYT
, November 19, 2025
After the Japanese Prime Minister’s remark that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan's survival and trigger a military response, Chinese diplomatic and economic countermeasures have been deployed to condemn it. China has also urged France and the UK to side with them on the matter, citing past nations' alliance over Imperial Japan in World War 2.
Ukraine peace talks: What's at stake for the Europeans
EuroNews, November 25, 2025
After the US-Russian 28 points as a possible peace plan for the war in Ukraine, stunned European reactions emerged. Indeed, the terms could threaten European security. The EU is now striving to make its own points heard.
China’s Xi Jinping raises future of Taiwan in call with Donald Trump
The Guardian, November 25, 2025
Xi Jinping reiterated to Donald Trump that China’s claims to Taiwan remain unchanged, its return being an “integral part of the postwar international order”.
EU keeps pushing for Trans-Caspian corridor despite mounting disillusionment
EURACTIV, November 25, 2025
The Trans-Caspian Corridor project supported by the EU is struggling to bring about the traffic and returns hoped for. Despite large financial investments and incentives, bottlenecks and delays remain.
‘Building together a resilient, prosperous and secure future’ – Chair’s statement,
EU—Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum
European Council, November 21, 2025
On 20–21 November 2025, the 4th EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum took place in Brussels where EU institutions, member states and countries from the Indo-Pacific met to enhance mutual security, prosperity and resilience.
WHAT CAUGHT OUR EYE: CURRENT RESEARCH AND COMMENTS
Ukraine talks: peace progress or dead end?
Bruegel, November 26, 2025
Rebecca Christie, Nicolas Véron and Guntram B. Wolff examine whether current diplomatic signals on Ukraine offer a real path to peace or are likely to lead nowhere. The podcast argues that Ukraine and Russia’s positions remain far apart, making a durable settlement unlikely for now. Europe also faces the challenge of supporting Ukraine’s security while managing its own limits.
What’s Rational For The National And What’s Focal For The Local? Towards A “Unified
National Economy”?
European Hub for Temporary China, November 18, 2025
Shaun Breslin argues that China’s push for a “unified national economy” is constrained by a persistent gap between central priorities and local government incentives. While Beijing emphasizes long-term goals such as innovation, reform, and sustainability, local authorities often default to short-term growth strategies, especially infrastructure and real-estate investment.
MERICS China Forecast 2026: High expectations for Chinese innovation, low expectations
for relations with US and EU
Merics, November 26, 2025
Based on a poll of 766 respondents, Claus Soong and Niklas Hintermayer find strong expectations that China will make major advances in AI, semiconductors, biotech, and green technologies in 2026. By contrast, respondents foresee limited progress on domestic reforms such as social welfare and structural adjustment. They also predict further deterioration in China–US relations and growing Chinese leverage over Europe.
Fragmentation, distractions weaken Europe’s Indo-Pacific pivot
Australian Strategic Policy Institute, November 27, 2025
Gabriele Abbondanza and Gorana Grgic make the case that European powers, and especially the "big four" (France, the UK, Italy and Germany) have strong interests in the Indo-Pacific and have already invested in both hard and soft security in the region. However, the internal divisions and resulting fragmenting of policies lead to subpar coordination and a weakening of European initiatives.
EUISS: False sense of security; European complacency on rare earths is the wrong
answer to the US-China trade truce
EUISS, November 27, 2025
Joris Teer warns that an apparent relief in the US-China trade tensions should not be mistaken for a return to previous rare earth materials accessibility. The current promises from Beijing on the easing of exports have caveats according to the author, not to mention the inherent instability of the current US administration. As such, it would be best for European leaders to assume the worst and continue seeking other sources of critical material supply for their industries.
EVENS
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 November 20, European Guanxi’s online conference “The Chinese Emphasis on Culture: Manifestation of Nationalism or a Return to Basics?” looked at why China is putting more focus on culture and whether this reflects rising nationalism or simply a renewed interest in its own traditions.
On November 27, CEPS’s webinar “Innovation, patents and Europe’s competitiveness challenges” discussed Europe’s competitiveness challenges through the lens of innovation and patents, arguing that the core issue is Europe’s difficulty in translating research into productivity and industrial strength.
CONTACT 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 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.