This edition highlights recent high-level diplomacy, key developments in China’s economy and innovation, and the latest updates in China-EU cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Enjoy reading!

Top News 

President Xi Jinping Calls for Joint Efforts to Advance Global Governance

Toward Higher-Quality Development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Remarks by President Xi Jinping at the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

First, we should stay committed to putting development first, and open up the prospects for shared prosperity. China takes the SCO as a priority area for promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and implementing the Global Development Initiative. 

Second, we should stay committed to taking security as a key goal, and foster an environment of common security. China stands ready to work with all parties to act on the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, and make our organization an important platform for implementing the Global Security Initiative. 

Third, we should stay committed to a people-centered approach, and cement the foundation for everlasting friendship.  China stands ready to work with all parties to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. 

Fourth, we should stay committed to dialogue and consultation, and strive for more equitable and orderly governance. China supports the model cooperation by our organization on practicing the Global Governance Initiative.

On Ukraine, the Middle East, Afghanistan, and other international and regional hotspot issues, China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, continue tackling both the symptoms and root causes of these issues, and promote political settlement.

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Jointly Advocating an Equal and Orderly Multipolar World and Making Global Governance More Just and Equitable

Statement by President Xi Jinping  at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting

What kind of multipolarity does the world need? How are countries going to take part in and promote it? The international community should build consensus and make the right choice that can stand the test of practice and history. As a responsible major country, China advocates for an equal and orderly multipolar world.

—Sovereign equality and mutual respect are fundamental principles. 

—Balance, order and the rule of law are inherent requirements. 

—Multilateralism, dialogue and consultation are essential pathways. 

—Mutual benefit, win-win, and inclusiveness are the way forward for development. 

In global governance, stagnation is regression. It is important that SCO member states and partners ride the trend of history and shoulder the responsibility of our times. Let us take the people-centered and action-oriented approach, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world, make global governance more just and equitable, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

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Celebrating 70 Years of Solidarity, China and Egypt Embark on a New Journey

Signed Article by President Xi Jinping Published in Egyptian Media Ahead of His State Visit to Egypt

Profound changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace, amid a volatile international landscape. As both major developing countries and important Global South nations, China and Egypt should vigorously uphold world peace and stability, and international fairness and justice by practicing true multilateralism, enhancing multilateral coordination, and working together to deliver on the four global initiatives on development, security, civilization and governance.

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China-Europe Interactions

China’s Commerce Ministry Says Trade Talks with EU Cannot Be Driven by One-Sided Demands

Trade talks between China and the EU cannot be driven by one-sided demands and should instead address the concerns of both sides on an equal footing, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Huang Ling said on September 3.

Since the first meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism on June 29, China's commerce ministry and the European side have maintained close communication at various levels and explored possible solutions to their respective economic and trade concerns, Huang noted.

From August 31 to September 2, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji held talks with visiting Denis Redonnet, deputy director-general of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, according to Huang. The two sides had in-depth, candid and constructive discussions on issues of mutual concern and guided several rounds of technical consultations between their teams, she added.

China has reiterated that the EU should face up to the problems it confronts, Huang said, adding that China is not the source of those problems, but can be a partner in addressing them. “Protectionism offers no way out, while win-win cooperation is the right way forward,” Huang noted.

China Urges France to Halt Anti-Fast-Fashion Move, Vows Necessary Measures to Protect Interests

China's Ministry of Commerce reiterated its opposition to France's newly enforced anti-fast-fashion law, warning that the legislation applies double standards under the guise of "environmental" and "sustainable" criteria and may violate the WTO non-discrimination principle.

Speaking at a regular press conference, MOFCOM spokesperson Huang Ling urged the French side to immediately halt the implementation of the law and resolve differences in the field of sustainable textile trade with China through equal dialogue.

“If France persists in its course of action, China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, and France will bear all the consequences arising therefrom,” Huang said. 

Opinion：Why Mutually Beneficial Cooperation Remains at the Heart of China-Europe Economic Relations

👉A more revealing test is whether both sides continue to reap tangible gains – through trade, investment, industrial cooperation, and integrated supply chains. By that measure, mutual benefit remains the defining feature of China-Europe economic relations.

👉European businesses continue to vote with their feet – they are expanding their presence in China, a bet on long-term opportunity rather than short-term politics.

👉When trade frictions arise, dialogue and consultation are the most effective remedies. Protectionism, by contrast, distorts market signals, raises costs and ultimately diminishes consumer welfare.

— Zheng Yin, international affairs observer, in an opinion article published by The Nordic Times

Finland’s Goods Exports to China Rise 12.9% in H1

Finland's goods exports to China rose 12.9% year on year in the first half of 2026, while China accounted for 10.3% of the country's goods imports during the period, according to a report released on September 4 by the Bank of Finland Institute for Emerging Economies (BOFIT).

Among Finland's major exports to China, machinery accounted for 23.5% of the total and rose 26% year on year, while electrical equipment made up 12% and increased 29%.

The trade data come ahead of the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade, which will be held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, from Sept. 8 to 11. Finland and Saudi Arabia will serve as the fair's two Guest Countries of Honour, the first time the event has adopted a dual Guest Countries of Honour mechanism.

Chinese Tech Companies Showcase AI Innovations at IFA Berlin 2026

IFA Berlin 2026, one of the world's largest trade fairs for consumer electronics and home appliances, opened on September 4, with robotics and AI taking center stage.

At this year's IFA, Chinese brands continue to maintain a strong presence. Companies including TCL, Hisense, Haier, DJI and Xiaomi showcased their latest products and technologies, attracting considerable attention from media and visitors.

Chinese Mission to the EU Holds China-EU 
Table Tennis Friendship Tournament

On September 5, 2026, the Mission of China to the EU and the Euroclub jointly hosted the China-EU Table Tennis Friendship Tournament in Brussels. Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Mission of China to the EU and Didier Leroy, Vice President of the European Table Tennis Union attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao performed the ceremonial opening serve. The tournament received support from the European Table Tennis Union and the China Table Tennis College. Yan Sen, Vice President of the China Table Tennis College and former world champion, as well as Zhang Yining, former world champion and coach, provided pre-match guidance to the participating players from China and Europe. More than 100 table tennis enthusiasts from China, the European institutions and the European Parliament participated in the event.

In his remarks, Ambassador Cai Run noted that the world today is undergoing profound changes and turbulence. China and the EU enjoy a relationship of greater strategic significance and global relevance. It is all the more important for both sides to stay committed to the positioning of partnership, uphold cooperation as the defining feature of our relationship, and resolve economic and trade differences through dialogue and consultation. Strengthening exchanges and cooperation in the field of table tennis will help deepen mutual understanding and friendship between China and the EU, and promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.
Vice President Leroy of the European Table Tennis Union said that China and the EU are two major forces in the world. He expressed the hope that through ping-pong diplomacy, both sides could move beyond differences, strengthen exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, bring people closer together, and promote the development of EU-China relations.

The tournament featured a team competition format with mixed Chinese-European teams in both singles and doubles. Chinese and European players teamed up and played side by side, drawing continuous applause from the audience. The matches were marked by exciting moments and highlights, with a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout.

China in Brief

Rescue and Cross-Border Assistance Continue at Gyirong Port

China has mobilized more than 2,500 rescue personnel and over 500 vehicles following the mudslide that struck Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on August 26.

Rescue operations have continued across the affected area, with drones completing more than 1,000 flights and air-dropping 5.43 tonnes of emergency supplies. Road access to the core disaster zone has been largely restored, enabling heavy machinery, additional rescuers and relief materials to enter the area.

Authorities have also reported that the barrier lake upstream of the affected area has been drained, the river has returned to normal flow and the related hazard has largely been eliminated.

China has provided assistance to 1,720 Nepalese border residents affected by the disaster and has continued sharing meteorological, hydrological and glacier data with Nepal through an established disaster information notification mechanism.

2026 CIFTIS Set to Open in Beijing

This photo taken on Sept. 2, 2026 shows a view of the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China.

The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) will be held at Shougang Park in Beijing from September 9 to 13, bringing together exhibitors from over 90 countries and international organizations, along with more than 1,800 companies. Preparatory work for the fair has been essentially completed.

This year’s CIFTIS will showcase the latest developments in areas including financial technology, digital and smart healthcare, energy conservation and environmental protection, as China advances the application of big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence in trade in services. The fair will also introduce dedicated areas providing professional support for Chinese companies seeking overseas expansion.

Norway will participate as the Guest Country of Honor, with a national pavilion highlighting green energy, digital technology, healthy home products and high-end nutrition. Norwegian businesses and institutions in aquaculture, maritime technology, cultural and creative industries and education are also expected to participate, providing opportunities for further China-Norway cooperation in trade in services.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks

On the First Anniversary of the Global Governance Initiative

A: One year ago today, at the pivotal juncture marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative, calling on countries around the world to work together for a more just and equitable global governance system. Over the past year, with its increasing popularity, the Initiative has evolved from a Chinese proposal into international practice, demonstrating strong vitality, influence, and appeal.

The GGI has forged broad international consensus. It is fully aligned with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and has quickly won the support and positive responses of nearly 160 countries and international organizations. More than 60 countries have joined the Group of Friends of Global Governance, engaging in intensive coordination on a wide range of global governance issues. BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have continued to grow, and the representation and voice of the Global South have continued to increase.

China is committed to contributing its wisdom to the reform and improvement of global governance. President Xi Jinping delivered important remarks at such events as the Virtual BRICS Summit, the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, and the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, providing strategic guidance for global governance to keep pace with the times. China hosted the Lanting Forum on Improving Global Governance to Build a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity, and successively released the Concept Paper on the Global Governance Initiative and a white paper on more just and equitable global governance, further elaborating on China’s visions, principles, and positions on global governance, as well as its action plan. The nine priorities proposed by China for advancing global governance reform have received broad support from the United Nations and the wider international community.

We have taken robust actions to translate the GGI into concrete results. The International Organization for Mediation has officially commenced operations and successfully resolved its first international maritime dispute. The World Data Organization and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization have been established in China one after another. At the UN Climate Summit, China announced its 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions.

Recently, the official website of the Foreign Ministry launched a dedicated section on the GGI. We welcome everyone to visit the section at any time to follow and support the latest progress in China’s efforts to advance the implementation of the Initiative.

The fruitful outcomes achieved by the GGI over the past year have made it abundantly clear that extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits represent the common aspiration of all, that upholding multilateralism is a shared consensus of all, and that building a more just and equitable global governance system is a common expectation of all. China will continue to firmly uphold the UN-centered international system, actively support the robust development of various multilateral and regional cooperation mechanisms, and jointly work for the effective implementation of the GGI. This autumn, we will host the Global Governance Forum in Xiong’an. We look forward to welcoming people from various sectors of the international community to discuss the reform and improvement of global governance and work together for a community with a shared future for humanity.

On Global Climate Cooperation

A: Climate change is a global challenge that requires the collective efforts of all parties. China has been a steadfast actor and major contributor in promoting global green development. We are making active and sound efforts towards the carbon peak and neutrality goals and expected to make the world’s biggest cut in carbon emission intensity. As the largest developing country, China firmly upholds the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of the developing world, strives for a fair and equitable global climate governance system for win-win cooperation, and provides assistance to other developing countries to the best of its capability via South-South cooperation.

Weekly Quote 

Through the Lens

Ripe grapes in Turpan, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, mark the arrival of the harvest season.

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