This edition highlights recent news with a special focus on the outcomes and consensus of the China-U.S. Summit, key developments in China-EU relations, as well as the spokesperson's remarks on several issues. Enjoy reading.

Table of Contents

China-U.S. Summit

⭐President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with U.S. President Donald J. Trump

⭐President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald J. Trump Visit the Temple of Heaven

⭐President Xi Jinping Holds Welcoming Banquet for U.S. President Donald J. Trump

⭐President Xi Jinping Holds a Private Meeting with U.S. President Donald J. Trump at Zhongnanhai

⭐President Xi Jinping meets U.S. entrepreneurs accompanying Trump on China visit

⭐Chinese Premier Li Qiang Meets Representatives of U.S. Business Community

⭐Briefing by Foreign Minister Wang Yi on China-U.S. Summit and Common Understandings

⭐China-U.S. Economic and Trade Consultations

China-EU Relations

⭐The Chinese Mission to the EU and Zhejiang Province Jointly Hold Thematic Promotion Event “A New Journey for China–EU Cooperation: Discover Zhejiang”

⭐EU-China Conference held in Beijing, participants stress dialogue to sustain bilateral ties

⭐Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Foreign Ministry holds consultations on Asian affairs with Director-General for Asia-Pacific of the European External Action Service

Spokesperson’s Remarks

Weekly Quotes

Visual Highlights

President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with U.S. President Donald J. Trump

On the morning of May 14, President Xi Jinping held talks with U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi noted that transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent. Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new paradigm of major-country relations? Can we meet global challenges together and provide greater stability for the world? Can we build a bright future together for our bilateral relations in the interest of the well-being of the two peoples and the future of humanity? These are the questions vital to history, to the world, and to the people. They are the questions of our times that the leaders of major countries need to answer together. I stand ready to work together with President Trump to set the course and steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations, so as to make 2026 a historic, landmark year that opens up a new chapter in China-U.S. relations.

President Xi stressed that China is committed to a steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations. I have agreed with President Trump on a new vision of building a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. This will provide strategic guidance for China-U.S. relations over the next three years and beyond, and will be well received by the people of both countries and the international community. “Constructive strategic stability” means positive stability with cooperation as the mainstay, healthy stability with competition within proper limits, constant stability with manageable differences, and lasting stability with expectable peace. Building a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability is not a slogan. It means actions in the same direction.

President Trump said that it was a great honor to pay a state visit to China. The United States and China have a very good relationship. President Xi and I have had the longest and greatest relationship the presidents of the two countries have ever had. We have enjoyed friendly communication and worked out many important issues. President Xi is a great leader, and China is a great country. I have tremendous respect for President Xi and the Chinese people. Our meeting today is the biggest summit the world is watching. I will work together with President Xi to strengthen communication and cooperation, properly handle differences, make bilateral relations better than ever before and embrace a fantastic future. The United States and China are the most important and most powerful countries in the world. Together, we can do a lot of big and good things for the two countries and the world. I have brought with me the best representatives of American businesses. They all respect and value China. I strongly encourage them to expand their cooperation with China.

(Read the full text here)

President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald J. Trump Visit the Temple of Heaven

President Xi noted that ancient Chinese rulers would hold prayer ceremonies here for prosperity of the nation, happiness of the people and good harvests, which embodies the traditional Chinese ethos that people are the foundation of a country and only when the people lead a good life can the country thrive. Carrying forward and developing the people-centered philosophy in Chinese civilization, the Communist Party of China has stayed committed to the abiding mission of serving the people wholeheartedly and has gained firm support and heartfelt endorsement of the people.

President Trump said that the Temple of Heaven showcases the fine art of classical Chinese architecture as well as the splendid and profound traditional culture, which is incredible. The United States and China are both great countries, and the two peoples are great people with wisdom. The two countries should deepen mutual understanding and promote friendship among the peoples.

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President Xi Jinping Holds Welcoming Banquet for U.S. President Donald J. Trump

President Xi pointed out that this year marks the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. The over 1.4 billion people of China, drawing on the rich heritage of our over-5,000-year civilization, are advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts through high-quality development. This year is also the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The over 300 million American people are reinvigorating the spirit of patriotism, innovation and enterprise, and ushering in a new journey for the development of the United States. The peoples of China and the United States are both great peoples. Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand. We can help each other succeed and advance the well-being of the whole world.

President Xi pointed out that looking back at the course of China-U.S. relations, whether or not we could have mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the key to whether the relationship can advance steadily. China-U.S. relations concern the well-being of the over 1.7 billion people of both countries, and affect the interests of the over eight billion people of the world. Both sides should rise up to this historic responsibility and steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations forward steadily and in the right direction.

(Read the full text here)

President Xi Jinping Holds a Private Meeting with U.S. President Donald J. Trump at Zhongnanhai

President Xi noted that President Trump’s visit has been a historic and landmark one. We have agreed on a new vision of a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability, and reached important common understandings on keeping economic and trade ties stable, expanding practical cooperation in various fields, properly addressing each other’s concerns, and enhancing communication and coordination on international and regional issues. The visit helps promote mutual understanding, deepen mutual trust, and advance the well-being of people in both countries. This once again attests to the aspiration of both nations and the expectation of all nations in the world that China and the United States need to realize peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, and find the right way to get along well with each other. 

President Trump thanked President Xi for welcoming him to Zhongnanhai. The visit to China has been both very successful and unforgettable. It is captivating the attention of the world. The two sides agreed on many things, made many deals, and worked out many issues. This is good for both countries and the world. President Xi is my old friend, I have a lot of respect for you, and we have forged a good relationship. The U.S.-China relationship is very important, and it will definitely get better and better. I wish to keep this kind of sincere and deep discussion with President Xi. I very much look forward to welcoming President Xi in Washington.

(Read the full text here)

President Xi Jinping Meets U.S. Entrepreneurs Accompanying Trump on China Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with U.S. entrepreneurs accompanying President Donald Trump on his visit to China.

Trump said that he had brought with him outstanding representatives from the U.S. business community, all of whom respect and value China, and that he encourages them to expand cooperation with China. He introduced the entrepreneurs to Xi one by one.

The U.S. entrepreneurs said that they attach great importance to the Chinese market, and hope to deepen their business operations in China and strengthen cooperation with China.

Xi said that U.S. companies are deeply involved in China's reform and opening up, and both sides have benefited from this. Noting that China's door will only open wider, Xi said China welcomes the United States to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with China, and expressed belief that U.S. companies will enjoy even broader prospects in China.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang Meets Representatives of U.S. Business Community

Premier Li Qiang said that the stable, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations requires the concerted efforts of all sectors of both countries. He expressed the hope that more U.S.-invested enterprises will continue to take root deeper in the Chinese market, further strengthen the bond of win-win cooperation between China and the United States, and keep acting as a bridge for communication and dialogue between the two sides. This will help all sectors in the United States view China’s development in a more objective and rational manner and enhance mutual trust and friendship between the two countries.

The participating representatives of the U.S. business community stated that U.S.-China relations are of vital importance. The successful meeting between the two heads of state has injected new impetus into bilateral economic and trade cooperation and brought certainty to the global economy. They look forward to stronger dialogue and communication between the two countries to expand common interests and achieve shared prosperity. The U.S. business community is optimistic about China’s development prospects, speaks highly of China’s continued advancement of high-standard opening-up and efforts to foster a first-class business environment, and stands ready to expand cooperation with China and make greater efforts to deepen mutual understanding and collaboration between the two nations.

Briefing by Foreign Minister Wang Yi on China-U.S. Summit and Common Understandings

⭐The assessment of the summit meeting between President Xi Jinping and his counterpart.

1. China and the United States have both entered a crucial stage in our development. 

2. China-U.S. relations have reached a new starting point. 

3. The two presidents’ in-depth discussions have produced fruitful outcomes. 

⭐ What is meant by “a constructive relationship of strategic stability,” the new vision for China-U.S. relations?

1. It should be positive stability where cooperation is the mainstay and the relationship gets more resilient through exchange and cooperation. 

2. It should be healthy stability where competition is kept within proper limits and is not turned into a zero-sum game. 

3. It should be constant stability where differences are manageable and the relationship should not be like a roller coaster. 

4. It should be lasting stability where peace is expectable and conflicts and wars are not acceptable. 

⭐During this summit, what has been agreed in terms of interactions at the leadership and other levels?

During this visit, the two presidents agreed to keep in close touch through meetings, calls, and letters. At the invitation of President Trump, President Xi will pay a state visit to the United States this fall. 

With the authorization of the two presidents, the political and diplomatic channel has stayed active. The two countries’ foreign policy officials and diplomats have properly handled differences, solved practical problems and increased mutual understanding, contributing to stronger bilateral ties. As instructed by the two presidents, the two economic and trade teams have held multiple consultations, which stabilized the economic and trade ties and market expectations. These two channels will continue to work to lengthen the list for cooperation and shorten the list of irritants. 

The Beijing summit will reenergize exchanges between the two sides’ legislative bodies, subnational entities and business, academic and media communities, and add more dimensions to the constructive relationship of strategic stability. The two sides have also agreed to support each other in hosting this year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and G20 Summit. 

⭐In what ways will the summit boost people-to-people exchanges?

During this summit, both presidents spoke about the importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges. President Xi specially cited the “Ping-Pong diplomacy” which took place 55 years ago. It opened up the China-US. relations that had remained frozen for over two decades, and marked a milestone in contemporary international relations. 

President Xi welcomes more young Americans to visit and study in China. President Trump has also said multiple times that he welcomes Chinese students to the United States. 

During the visit, the two presidents toured the Temple of Heaven together. The tour provided insights into the Chinese appreciation of harmony among all beings and respect for the law of nature. 

⭐ The Taiwan question.

The Taiwan question was an important topic taken up at the summit. China’s position is very clear:

First, the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. Realizing complete reunification is an aspiration shared by all sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. It is also the unwavering, historic mission of the Communist Party of China. The mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China. This is a fact established since antiquity, the real status quo of the Taiwan Strait, and an important part of the postwar international order. We hope that the U.S. side will strictly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, and honor its international obligation.

Second, the Taiwan question is the most important issue between China and the U.S., one that affects the entire relationship. If it is handled properly, the overall relationship will be stable, and the two sides will be able to devote more energy to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, and the entire relationship will be in great jeopardy. China hopes that the U.S. side will take concrete actions to keep the relationship on an even keel and contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Third, China and the U.S. both agree on the vital importance of safeguarding cross-Strait peace and stability. To ensure this is the case, one must never indulge or support “Taiwan independence,” because “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. Our impression coming out of the summit is that the U.S. side understands China’s position, takes China’s concerns seriously, and, like the rest of the international community, does not agree with or accept Taiwan’s moving toward independence.

⭐What outcomes did the summit produce on economy and trade?

President Xi emphasized that the economic and trade ties are mutually beneficial and win-win by nature. Where disagreements and frictions exist, equal-footed consultation is the only right approach. The two economic and trade teams produced generally balanced and positive outcomes, including continuing to implement all the consensus reached in prior consultations, establishing a board of trade and a board of investment, addressing each other’s concerns regarding market access for agricultural products, and expanding two-way trade within the framework of reciprocal tariff reduction.

⭐What international and regional hot spots did the two presidents cover?

1. On the Middle East situation, President Xi emphasized that the use of force cannot solve problems, and dialogue is the only right choice. China encourages the U.S. and Iran to continue settling their differences and disputes through negotiation, including on the nuclear issue. China calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible on the basis of continued ceasefire, and believes that the fundamental solution to the stalemate in the Strait lies in achieving a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. 

2. On the Ukraine crisis, both China and the U.S. want to see an early end to the conflict, and both have done a great deal to promote peace talks in their own ways. As there is no simple solution to a complex issue, peace talks cannot be expected to achieve success overnight. China and the U.S. will maintain communication and play a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis.

China-U.S. Economic and Trade Consultations

On May 13, He Lifeng, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council held economic and trade consultations in South Korea with Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.

The preliminary outcomes include:

First, the two sides continue to implement the outcomes of previous consultations and reaching positive consensus on relevant tariff arrangements.

Second, the two sides agreed to establish a Trade Council and an Investment Council to discuss each side's respective concerns in the areas of trade and investment.

Third, the two sides will resolve or substantially advance the resolution of certain non-tariff barriers and market access issues related to some agricultural products. 

Fourth, the two sides also agreed to promote the expansion of two-way trade, including in agricultural products, through arrangements such as mutual tariff reductions on products within a certain scope.

Fifth, the two sides reached relevant arrangements regarding China's procurement of aircraft from the US, as well as the US side's ensuring supply of aircraft engines and components to China, and agreed to continue advancing cooperation in related fields.

The Chinese Mission to the EU and Zhejiang Province Jointly Hold Thematic Promotion Event “A New Journey for China–EU Cooperation: Discover Zhejiang”

On May 11, 2026, the Mission of China to the EU and Zhejiang Province co-hosted a thematic promotion event entitled “A New Journey for China–EU Cooperation: Discover Zhejiang” in Brussels. Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Mission of China to the EU, Mr. Liu Xin, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Congress, and Mr. Piet Steel, Honorary Chairman of Europe-Asia Center attended and addressed the event. Nearly 150 guests were present, including Mr. Fei Shengchao, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, officials from EU institutions, representatives from major European media outlets and think tanks, guest from various sectors and diplomatic envoys to the EU. 

In his speech, Ambassador Cai Run noted that China-EU relations now carry greater strategic significance and global influence. This year marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, bringing important opportunities for China-EU practical cooperation in various fields. Zhejiang Province serves as an important bridge for China-EU exchanges and an active participant and contributor to China-EU cooperation. European friends are welcome to visit China and Zhejiang, and experience firsthand a real, multidimensional, and comprehensive China. China stands ready to work with the EU side to seize opportunities, address challenges, and deliver new outcomes in bilateral cooperation.

（Read the full text here）

EU-China Conference held in Beijing, participants stress dialogue to sustain bilateral ties

​​​​​​Officials and experts from China and the EU on Tuesday stressed at EU-China conference in Beijing that against a backdrop of global turbulence, China and the EU both acknowledge the need to narrow differences and broaden common ground while resolving divergences through dialogue to sustain steady bilateral ties. 

Jorge Toledo, EU Ambassador to China, noted that dialogue remains necessary, and the task now is to make that dialogue consequential, to connect words with action, to encourage more balanced and bold commitments, and embrace responsibilities.

Li Jian, Director General of the department of European Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry, noted that "China always believes that China and the EU are two major poles in a multipolar world, two major forces safeguarding world peace, two major markets driving common development, and two major civilizations advancing human progress". 

Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Foreign Ministry holds consultations on Asian affairs with Director-General for Asia-Pacific of the European External Action Service

On May 11, 2026, Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a new round of China-EU consultations on Asian affairs in Beijing with Kuzweil, the newly-appointed Director-General for Asia-Pacific of the European External Action Service. The two sides exchanged views on the situation in Asia, respective regional policies and regional hotspot issues of common concern.

Liu Jinsong pointed out that Asia today stands as a high ground for peace, manufacturing, high-tech industries, market vitality and regional cooperation, while also facing multiple challenges. He hoped the EU would uphold strategic autonomy and play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and development in the Asia-Pacific.

Kuzweil stated that EU countries maintain close economic ties with the Asia-Pacific region. The EU is ready to step up exchanges with China on Asia-Pacific affairs, deepen mutual understanding and contribute greater stability to the region and the world at large.

Announcement by MOJ on EU Foreign Subsidy Investigation Practices Constituting Unlawful Extraterritorial Jurisdiction & MOFCOM Spokesperson Remarks

⭐Announcement No. 5 of the Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China (15 May 2026)

In accordance with Articles 3 and 6 of the Regulation of the People’s Republic of China on Countering Foreign States’ Unlawful Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, the Ministry of Justice, together with relevant departments including the Ministry of Commerce, has investigated and determined that the relevant cross-border investigation practices adopted by the European Union against Chinese entities in its investigation into Nuctech pursuant to its Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) constitute unlawful extraterritorial jurisdiction measures.

No organization or individual may enforce or assist in enforcing such unlawful extraterritorial jurisdiction measures.

This Announcement shall come into force as of the date of promulgation.

⭐MOFCOM Spokesperson Remarks on the Announcement

China has consistently opposed the EU's abuse of unilateral tools such as the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) to suppress Chinese companies. Recently, the EU has not only increased the frequency of investigations targeting Chinese enterprises and expanded the scope of such investigations, but has also escalated its investigation into companies including Nuctech to in-depth investigations, while coercing Chinese banking institutions to cooperate with the probes and unreasonably demanding large amount of information within China that is unrelated to the investigations. The normal investment and business operations of multiple Chinese enterprises and banking institutions in Europe have been seriously negatively affected.

China reiterates its hope that the European Commission will promptly correct its wrong practices, stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises, cease abusing FSR investigative tools, and provide a fair, just and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises operating and investing in Europe. China has consistently advocated managing differences through dialogue and consultation, and hopes the EU will work with China in the same direction to resolve issues through friendly consultations. At the same time, China will closely monitor relevant developments on the EU side and take necessary measures to firmly safeguard national security and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

"Constructive strategic stability" initiative has the potential to change the trajectory of U.S.-China relations, with positive implications for the global community for decades to come.

🔹The Temple of Heaven is a historic complex renowned for its architectural grandeur and cultural significance. For over five centuries, Ming and Qing emperors performed sacrificial ceremonies here, praying for good harvests. As Beijing's largest royal altar, it symbolizes harmony between heaven and earth, reflecting the emperor's role as a mediator in Chinese cosmogony.

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: SUN Jiachen