This edition brings you recent high-level diplomacy, key developments in China, and updates on China-EU relations. Enjoy reading!

Top News 

President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing

On the morning of June 16, 2026, President Xi Jinping held talks with President of MyanmarMin Aung Hlaing, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping and President U Min Aung Hlaing had a meeting and conducted in-depth exchanges on cementing China-Myanmar “pauk-phaw” friendship, advancing comprehensive strategic cooperation and deepening the building of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, reaching important consensus.

Following the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents in transport, livelihood and other areas.

High-Level Events 

Vice President Han Zheng Attends the Opening Ceremony of the Seventh Qingdao Multinationals Summit

At the opening ceremony of the seventh Qingdao Multinationals Summit, held in the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, on June 16, 2026, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said China firmly supports multinational corporations in investing and doing business in China and achieving robust and healthy growth.

The summit attracted more than 700 representatives from government departments, international organizations, multinationals, and business associations. The vice president also called for efforts to jointly safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

Vice Premier He Lifeng Attends the 2026 Lujiazui Forum

At the 2026 Lujiazui Forum that opened on June 17 in Shanghai, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said that China will continue to steadily expand institutional opening-up in the financial sector.

He said that China will continue to improve the rule of law in the financial sector and unswervingly safeguard national financial security, adding that the country is ready to improve cooperation on global financial governance and work with all parties to address risks and challenges.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi Attends a Reception in Beijing to Mark the 25th Anniversary of the Founding of the SCO

Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to play a greater role as a stabilizing, constructive and progressive force in today's world.

Against the backdrop of accelerating changes unseen in a century, Wang said that the SCO should practice true multilateralism, support the United Nations' role and authority, and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

Wang Yi Meets with Candidate for the Next UN Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan

On June 16, 2026, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with the Candidate for the Next UN Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.

Wang Yi stated that as a responsible major country and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will participate in the selection of the next UN Secretary-General in a constructive manner. China stands ready to work with all parties to safeguard, revitalize and strengthen the United Nations.

China in Brief

China's State Council Information Office Released a White Paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance:
China's Principles, Proposals and Actions."

On Wednesday, the Chinese government released the white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions." Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the white paper systematically presents China's ideas, initiatives and practical actions regarding global governance.

Its aim is to reform and improve the global governance system, effectively address global challenges, and build broader international consensus and joint efforts.

Full text

China's Major Economic Indicators Show Solid Momentum in Jan-May

China's Desertification Control Explores Win-win Path for Ecology, Livelihoods

In China, even solar panels have joined the effort of fighting against sand. In parts of the Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia, a "photovoltaic plus desertification control" model operates on a simple logic: panels generate power above, stabilize sand below, and grow grass in between. Farmers and herders raise chickens under the panels and grow tomatoes and potatoes in the shade -- turning barren dunes into productive land.

China-EU relations

Spokesperson of Foreign Ministry

China, EU Maintain Smooth Communication on Economic, Trade Issues

China and the European Union (EU) have maintained smooth communication on economic and trade issues, China's Ministry of Commerce said.

The spokesperson described recent talks in Brussels between Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, and Ditte Juul Jorgensen, director-general for Trade and Economic Security at the European Commission, as "in-depth and comprehensive" and had helped lay the groundwork for ministerial consultations to be held soon.

China is willing to work with the EU to implement the consensus reached by leaders of both sides, manage disputes through dialogue and consultation, properly handle friction, and promote pragmatic cooperation, to advance the sound and steady development of bilateral economic and trade relations, the spokesperson said.

Spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the EU

Q: On June 15, the EU announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, including sanctions against four additional Chinese companies. What is China's comment?

A: Despite China’s strong opposition and repeated solemn representations, the EU announced its new package of sanctions against Russia which includes sanctions against four additional Chinese companies. The Chinese side expresses its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this move and has once again lodged solemn representations with the EU.

China maintains an objective and impartial stance on the Ukraine crisis and has been committed to promoting peace talks and playing a constructive role in facilitating a political settlement. China firmly opposes the EU’s attempts to shift blame onto China and to make unwarranted accusations and smears against China over the Ukraine crisis, and strongly opposes illicit unilateral sanctions that are not authorized by the United Nations Security Council and lack any basis in international law. The Chinese side will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

China-EU interactions

Young Leaders at China-CEEC Forum Underscore Tangible Cooperation, Youth Actions

Themed "A Joint March Toward Modernization for China and CEEC Under New Circumstances: Youth Actions and Contributions," the forum was held on Sunday and Monday.

Over 100 participants from 14 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) and China, representing political parties, think tanks, civil organizations, ministries and enterprises, had gathered in Wuhan to discuss modernization, mutually beneficial cooperation and youth responsibilities

German Business Leaders Reaffirmed Their Commitment to the Chinese Market at san "Invest in China"
Roundtable Held in Dusseldorf

Amid growing global economic uncertainty and protectionist pressures, German business leaders at the event stressed that deeper cooperation between China and Germany will create opportunities for both sides and support long-term growth.

China, Germany Call for Deeper Trade, Investment Ties at Berlin Forum

Officials and business representatives from China and Germany called for deeper trade and investment ties at a business forum, highlighting opportunities in China's vast consumer market and the potential for more balanced bilateral trade.

Weekly Quote 

"Although Chinese companies were essentially exporting products in the past, today they are building global brands, exporting their technology and know-how to make better lives for societies and populations around the world."

• Etienne Sanz de Acedo, chief executive officer of the International Trademark Association

Through the Lens

Making zongzi for Dragon Boat Festival

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: ZHANG Kaixiang