Weekly
=== NEWSLETTER Nº 23===
15 June 2026
This edition brings you recent high-level diplomacy, key developments in China, and updates on China-EU relations. Enjoy reading!
Top News
China-DPRK ties gain impetus
On the afternoon of June 8, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping held talks with General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un at the Kumsusan Guesthouse in Pyongyang.
President Xi Jinping's visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has opened new prospects for China-DPRK relations and added positive energy to regional and global peace and development.
Xi concluded a successful two-day state visit to the neighboring country on June 9, his first visit to the DPRK in seven years and his first overseas trip this year.
High-Level Events
Wang Yi Delivers Video Address to the 2026 Event to Celebrate the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations
Chinese FM Wang Yi delivered a video address to the event celebrating the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations:
We should enhance mutual understanding and foster mutual trust through dialogue, promote solidarity and seek common ground through exchanges, and continuously consolidate the cultural foundation for building a community with a shared future for humanity.
- Adhere to mutual respect and promote harmonious coexistence among different civilizations.
- Abide by a people-oriented approach and lay a solid foundation for exchanges among civilizations.
- Uphold inheritance and innovation of traditional culture to enhance the driving force for the progress of civilizations.
- Adhere to exchanges and mutual learning and improve the mechanism for dialogue among civilizations.
China to continue sharing development opportunities with other countries
On June 11, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing attended and addressed the Global Convergence for Growth Summit hosted by France via video link. He pointed out that facing the current situation, we must adhere to development first to foster inclusive global economic growth; adhere to improving global governance and reforming the international financial system; adhere to a fact-based approach and an objective view of countries’ comparative advantages; and adhere to openness and cooperation to create a free and unimpeded trade environment.
Zhang stressed that the competitive edge of China’s relevant industries comes not from subsidies or protection, but from unrelenting efforts to deepen reform and to pursue innovation-driven development. Most importantly, it comes from the hard work of the Chinese people and their companies. China is firmly committed to expanding high-standard opening up and will continue to share development opportunities with other countries and inject more certainty and stability into the global economy.
China in Brief
China’s foreign trade up 15.3% in first 5 months
China to integrate AI, digital twin technologies into Three Gorges waterway project
China has launched construction of a new waterway project at the Three Gorges hub that will integrate AI, big data and digital twin technologies into vessel traffic management and ship-lock operations. The project, the first major infrastructure initiative of the 15th Five-Year Plan, is designed to improve shipping efficiency, lower logistics costs and enhance the digital management of one of the world's busiest inland waterways.
Once completed, the project's annual cargo throughput capacity is expected to nearly double to 336 million tonnes. It will also strengthen direct river-sea shipping by enabling 10,000-tonne vessels to reach Chongqing, supporting economic development along the Yangtze River Economic Belt while incorporating ecological protection measures.
China-EU relations
Ambassador Cai Run's Op-Ed: “China Briefing” Series: A New Platform for Understanding China
To promote China-EU exchanges, deepen mutual understanding, and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the European Union launched the “China Briefing” Series in Brussels, with two sessions successfully held in November 2025 and April 2026 respectively. The two sessions featured distinguished keynote speakers Mr. Miao Wei and Mr. Ma Jiantang, both members of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Deputy Directors of its Economic Committee. They provided a comprehensive overview of China’s achievements in economic and social development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, offered in-depth interpretations of the blueprint and arrangements for advancing Chinese modernization during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and elaborated on the broad opportunities brought by China’s pursuit of high-quality development and higher-standard opening up for China-EU economic and trade cooperation.
China stands ready to work with the EU side to expand the pie of cooperation.
China stands ready to work with the EU side to deepen mutually complementary cooperation.
China stands ready to work with the EU side to improve the quality and efficiency of bilateral cooperation.
The Chinese side welcomes more European friends to attend the future events of the “China Briefing” Series. Through in-depth exchanges, the two sides can enhance mutual understanding, build broader consensus on cooperation, and pool greater synergy for development, so as to jointly write a new chapter in China-EU relations.
FM Spokesperson's Remarks
Bloomberg: The EU is advancing a proposal that would force companies to avoid over-dependency in their supply chains. This comes as the bloc is looking to reset its trade relationship with China. Would the foreign ministry like to comment?
A: As we’ve been saying, between China and Europe, the industrial and supply chains are highly integrated and mutually dependent. This is shaped by economic globalization and market force and has served both Chinese and European businesses well. European companies make their choice based on cost, technology and efficiency. How is that “over-dependence”? Isn’t “diversification” in this case just another version of protectionism? This sort of measures will not make the European industry more competitive, and they certainly go against the EU’s own stated principles of market economy, fair competition and free trade.
As an old Chinese saying goes, do not do unto others what you would not have others do unto you. China-EU trade is not a zero-sum game. There is no reason why China and the EU can’t succeed together. The Chinese side is willing and open to working with the EU on trade issues. We hope the EU will work with the Chinese side to find solutions through dialogue and consultation, and let the business communities and people of both sides to benefit even more from China-EU trade.
RT: Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, recently announced that the EU will allow vessels operating under its Mediterranean naval mission to inspect and seize tankers suspected of transporting Russian oil, because they pose a danger, and the idea is to curb Russia. Earlier this month, the French Navy, joined by UK forces, seized an oil tanker sailing out of Russia. What’s China’s comment? Do you think this will affect normal international energy shipping?
A: We have taken note of relevant reports. China always stands firmly against illicit unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or the authorization of the UN Security Council. We call on the parties concerned to find solutions through dialogue and consultation.
RIA Novosti: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday that the new package of anti-Russian sanctions may include measures against companies based in China, Türkiye, India and other countries. What’s China’s comment on this statement?
A: China opposes illicit unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or the authorization of the UN Security Council. We have lodged serious protests to the EU side on multiple occasions to urge the EU to correct the wrongdoing and withdraw the illicit unilateral sanctions. China will closely watch the developments and do what is necessary to firmly protect its legitimate rights and interests.
AFP: According to a piece in the Financial Times, China has canceled two high-level meetings with the EU this month because of rising trade tensions. I wondered if you could comment on this? And then a second related question is on whether Commerce Minister will still visit the EU later this month as has been reported?
A: On your first question, as we’ve learned, China and the EU are in communication on relevant dialogue.
For your second question, I’d refer you to competent authorities.
China-EU interactions
China, EU to work for practical outcomes from trade, investment consultation mechanism
China and the EU have agreed to work in pursuit of practical outcomes from the first meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism, according to China's Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday.
Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, held talks on June 9 with Ditte Juul Jorgensen, director-general for Trade and Economic Security at the European Commission in Brussels. The two sides conducted an in-depth and comprehensive discussion regarding the mechanism's preparatory work.
Both sides agreed to strive for practical outcomes from the first meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism, stabilize bilateral economic and trade relations, and promote their sustainable development.
Weekly Quote
“Europe and China have built one of the most important economic relationships in the world, creating growth, jobs, innovation and prosperity on both sides. Europe should combine security awareness with openness: protect what is genuinely sensitive, but not lose the ability to cooperate where cooperation brings progress.”
- Michael Schumann, chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA)
Calling all creatives!
The Chinese and European Youth: Moving Forward Together Cartoon & Short Video Creative Contest is now in full swing!
Show your creativity and share your stories of China-Europe friendship, Chinese culture, and your unique experiences. Exciting prizes—including a free trip to China—are waiting for you!
Submit your original cartoons or short videos by 1 August 2026.
Join us and let your creativity help build bridges between China and Europe!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of China, except those from the official website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Chinese Mission to the EU and other Chinese governmental websites.
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Editor: JIANG Qian
