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
Four months into 2026, EU-China relations remain ambiguous and characterised by duality.
Trade is still a source of friction between Beijing and the 27-nation bloc, with tariffs,
export regulations, and fears of protectionism regular occurrences in European and Chinese
media headlines alike.
However, there are also some progress and rapprochements on specific topics, including commitment
to de-escalation in the Middle East, a growing convergence of interests when it comes to the
USA's increasing isolationism, and even renewed legislators' exchanges. The reinforced engagement
of Spain with China reveals the fact that both sides need more regular and frequent communication
to manage the relationship and expand cooperation. A change of government in Budapest, previously
forecasted to be a game changer to China's relationship with the EU, may actually turn out not
to be that subversive.
While European leaders worry about the economic state of
affairs between their countries and China, they also contend with a new geopolitical
reality, one in which foreign investments remain necessary, as Commissioner Séjourné put it,
and selective engagement is desirable.
ICES wishes you a pleasant read of this
edition!
NEWS ROUND
THE WEEKS' HIGHLIGHTS: PROGRESS & PITFALLS
Spanish PM visits China for the 4th time in 4 years
FMPRC, Politico,
Euractiv, April 15, 2026
On April 14, President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The Chinese president committed to stronger relations with the EU and warned against "the law of the jungle" on the international stage.
EU agrees to double tariffs on foreign steel
Euractiv, April 14, 2026
The European Parliament settled with EU member states on a deal to raise levies on steel imports to 50% to protect the bloc from Chinese exports.
EU-CHINA RELATIONS
European FMs including Germany and the EU's foreign affairs chief discussed with
China's FM on the phone over Hormuz
X, Reuters
and
Global Times, April 02, 2026
Kaja Kallas discussed with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the topic of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz and the conflict's impact on the global economy. China, along with its counterparts in Europe and in the EU called for a ceasefire in the Middle East and for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened.
MEPs demand action as 91% of EU-bound parcels hail from China
The Brussels Times and Reuters
April 06, 2026
A delegation of the European Parliament returning from China called for tighter regulations on e-commerce parcels from China entering the EU. China then issued new guidance on this sector to better coordinate with international markets.
China and Europe launch rare joint space mission
Financial Times, April 06, 2026
In order to better understand the role of the Earth's magnetic shield, Europe and China are launching a space mission jointly.
More Europeans see US more as threat than China
Politico, April 08, 2026
According to one of Politico's latest poll, the "The U.S. under Donald Trump is seen as more of a threat than an ally' beating Beijing among the European countries polled.
Mercedes Q1 sales down in tough 'transition year' for China business
Reuters, April 09, 2026
Mercedes-Benz is experiencing a difficult first quarter in 2026 with sales dropping by 6% from the same period a year ago, due in large parts to a 27% drop in China specifically.
EU industry chief says Europe won't follow the US on China
Politico, April 10, 2026
For Stéphane Séjourné, Industry Commissioner, the EU would benefit from increased Chinese investment and therefore should not imitate the USA's isolationism.
EU's trade deficit with China tops €359b as import surge intensifies
The Brussels Times, April 10, 2026
With imports from China in the EU reaching €559.4 billion and exports to China only making up €199.6 billion worth of goods, the EU's trade deficit in 2025 surged to €359.8 billion.
China's Chery looking to expand car production in Europe, top executives say
Reuters, April 12, 2026
The Chinese carmaker Chery announced at an event in Paris it was looking to increase its production in Europe by partnering with other companies and existing factories.
EU businesses warn China's new supply chain law puts firms on collision course with
bloc's rules
EUObserver, April 13, 2026
EU lobbies have made their opposition known against the latest China's supply chain law, which would give further power to Beijing to investigate against companies supposedly interfering with supply chains.
EU to cut funding for Chinese inverters as quiet offensive replaces grandstanding
South China Morning Post, April 14, 2026
Brussels will stop EU funds going towards solar and wind projects with Chinese inverters, as part of its "do more say less" strategy towards Beijing.
Brussels must resist 'passive' role in US-China trade war, EU chamber urges
SCMP, April 14, 2026
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China is advocating for the EU to lead more in discussions regarding its interests in China and warning that the export controls on Rare Earths are disproportionately affecting European companies.
EU launches critical minerals procurement platform to cut China dependence
SCMP, April 14, 2026
As part of the RESourceEU strategy of the bloc, the EU launched its critical minerals section within its energy and materials procurement platform.
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE AND REGIONAL ISSUES SELECTED BY THE ICES
The EU is Forging a 'Hedging Alliance' With Indo-Pacific Middle Powers
The Diplomat and DW, April 07, 2026
The EU has started actively looking for partners and allies within the Indo-Pacific middle powers to forge a "hedging alliance" against US-China-Russia great power competition. Similarly Southeast Asian countries "increasingly see the EU as a trusted hedge against US-China rivalry."
EU and US near critical minerals deal to combat Chinese control, Bloomberg News
reports
Reuters, April 10, 2026
According to Bloomberg, the EU and the USA are getting closer to a deal on critical minerals and how to better coordinate on securing them.
WHAT CAUGHT OUR EYE: CURRENT RESEARCH AND COMMENTS
Australia's EU Critical Minerals Deal Is No Quick Fix for Its China Dependence
The Diplomat, April 03, 2026
For Marina Zhang, Europe should not be too quick to celebrate its EU Critical Minerals Deal with Australia as a solution to its dependency to countries like China, as it will not be sufficient to match Beijing's integrated industrial ecosystem.
China is the real winner from Europe's war on food innovation
Euractiv, April 05, 2026
Joel Scott-Halkes argues that by forbidding the cultivated meat industry from calling their products meat, the EU runs the risk of losing its edge on innovation by harming sales and benefitting foreign competitors like China.
China's growing North Africa presence a structural challenge for Europe
SCMP, April 05, 2026
Bob Savic makes the case that China's renewed investments in the Middle East and North Africa as part of the Belt and Road Initiative require a "sustained, coordinated European response."
"High Seas Treaty" Enters into Force: How the BBNJ Agreement Becomes a Litmus Test for
China-EU Cooperation in Maritime Law
ICES, April 07, 2026
Yating Zhang explores in her research paper for ICES the future consequences of the BBNJ agreement on China-EU relations when it comes to maritime cooperation.
Beyond the Blueprint: Beijing's 15th Five-Year Plan and the EU
ICES, April 08, 2026
Daniel Balazs comments on China's latest Five-Year Plan and the strategic openings it leaves for a more balanced partnership, thanks in part to increased emphasis on domestic consumption and market access.
Why Beijing isn't panicking over Hungarian PM Viktor Orban's stunning election defeat
SCMP, April 13, 2026
Orange Wang and Laura Zhou discuss Hungary's political transition and argue that while the domestic political climate might change, there should not be a dramatic "overturning of ties with China."
Europe lacks China strategy, needs new US approach, Biscop says
SCMP, April 16, 2026
Sven Biscop gets interviewed for SCMP and shares his insights on EU foreign affairs, ranging from the response to the war in Iran, relations with China, the USA and his analysis of the current balance of power.
Spain's Sánchez is Proof That EU Leaders Can Move Beyond Eurocentric Views
Simply Shada, April 16, 2026
Shada Islam argues in her latest essay that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's approach to international politics and engagement with China is a welcome change in terms of diplomacy and worldview.
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:
As China just formally approved its 15th Five Year Plan (5YP) in March, countries around the world took notice of the goals announced by Beijing as they will have major influences on international trade and geoeconomics. ICES was proud to host a webinar: "China's 15th Five-Year Plan and Its Implications for EU–China Relations" on April 10th. The webinar examined the highlights of the 5YP, the rationale behind the choices made and what it will mean for EU-China Relations, thanks to the insights of specialised academics.
On Monday, 13 April 2026, Bruegel hosted a panel talk and presentation on "Where is industrial policy headed? Lessons from Europe and Asia." The panel was focused on presentations made by Franziska Ohnsorge, Chief Economist, South Asia Region at the World Bank and Reinhilde Veugelers, Bruegel Senior Fellow. The topics were respectively on the impact of industrial policy impact in South and East Asia, and on the innovation gap in industrial policy in Europe and its implications.
On April 13, 2026, both EPC and GMF hosted webinars regarding Hungary's election. Both webinars described Hungary's election as a clear turning point, with TISA's landslide victory reflecting strong public demand for change and record turnout. Speakers at EPC attributed the outcome to shifting voter priorities toward economic and governance issues. The incoming government, per them, is expected to prioritise EU relations, reforms, and public services, but faces constraints, particularly in energy diversification away from Russia and in implementing new policies.
GMF's speakers emphasised on their end the clean concession from Orban, and attributed it to the limits of authoritarian electoralism, which cannot outright deny election numbers when they are so clear. Moreover, they emphasised that populist right leaders across Europe will probably be fragilised by these election results and question their own strategies even if every national elections will be country-specific.
CONTACT WITH US
If you want to stay informed on our events and publications do not hesitate to visit our website and follow us on social media:
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.