This issue brings together the latest news in China, along with China's global engagement and key updates in China-EU relations. Enjoy reading!

Top News

President Xi Jinping made four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East

1️⃣ Stay committed to the principle of peaceful co-existence. The Gulf states in the Middle East are close neighbors that cannot move away. It’s important to support the Gulf states in improving their ties, work to build a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture of the Middle East and the Gulf region, and consolidate the foundation for peaceful co-existence.

2️⃣ Stay committed to the principle of national sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as a foundation for all countries, especially developing countries, to survive and thrive, and it must not be violated. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should be earnestly respected, and the safety of their personnel, facilities and institutions vigorously safeguarded.

3️⃣ Stay committed to the principle of international rule of law. It is important to firmly uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order based on international law, and basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter.

4️⃣ Stay committed to a balanced approach to development and security. Security is a prerequisite for development, and development serves as a safeguard of security. All sides should work to create a sound environment for and bring positive energy to the development of the Gulf states. China stands ready to share with the Gulf countries the opportunities through Chinese modernization, and work with them to nurture a fertile ground for regional development and security.

China-EU relations

President Xi Jinping Meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez

On April 14, President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is on an official visit to China, in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping noted that China combines its long-term strategic goals with phased objectives, and acts with historical patience to draw up and carry out five-year plans generation after generation. China has firm resolve in advancing Chinese modernization and the broad-mindedness to share development opportunities with the world through high-standard opening up. China will inject confidence and momentum into global economic growth through its own development. 

President Xi Jinping emphasized that today’s turbulent world faces the struggle between right and might. How a country approaches international law and the international order reflects its views of the world, order, and values, and its sense of responsibility. China and Spain are both countries that value principle and justice. We need to strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust, and work closely together to reject any backslide into the law of the jungle, jointly uphold true multilateralism, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and foster the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Sánchez noted that Spain actively supports the four major Global Initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China to jointly address challenges related to international geopolitics, trade protectionism, and climate change, while upholding international law and multilateralism. Spain opposes a new Cold War and attempts to decouple and sever supply chains, and supports enhanced communication, understanding and cooperation between Europe and China. The sound development of EU-China relations serves the common interests of both sides and contributes to world peace and stability.

China's innovation dynamism becomes global magnet

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Chinese tech company Xiaomi during his trip to Beijing, where he was briefed on the company’s latest developments in electric vehicles, smartphones and smart home devices.

During the visit, Sánchez toured Xiaomi’s exhibition areas and experienced several products firsthand, including its electric vehicles, gaining a closer look at the company’s push into the EV sector and broader technology ecosystem.

The visit formed part of Sánchez’s broader trip to China, during which he engaged with the country’s innovation-driven industries, reflecting an interest in strengthening cooperation in high-tech and emerging sectors.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez calls for multilateralism in Tsinghua speech

On April 13, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a speech at Tsinghua University, calling for the strengthening of a multilateral system in an increasingly multipolar world. He stressed that no single country or region should dominate global affairs, underscoring the importance of cooperation and shared governance.

He also urged countries to move beyond zero-sum thinking, emphasizing dialogue and mutual understanding as essential to addressing global challenges such as economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

Drawing on historical perspectives, Sánchez noted that civilizations have long viewed the world through different lenses, highlighting the need for inclusiveness and respect. He called for deeper cooperation, including between China and Europe, to promote stability and shared prosperity.

Wang Yi Meets with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani

On April 16, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani.

Key Points

👉Bilateral relations: Both sides affirmed the China–Italy comprehensive strategic partnership and agreed to implement leaders' consensuses, maintain high-level exchanges, and execute the action plan for the partnership. Italy reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China policy.

👉Multilateralism: Both sides agreed to enhance communication and coordination in international and multilateral affairs. Italy recognised China's important influence on multilateral platforms and agreed with President Xi Jinping's propositions on resolving hotspot issues.

👉Middle East / Iran: Wang Yi stated that the war waged by the US and Israel against Iran should not have taken place and is impacting international energy security and the Strait of Hormuz. He called for bringing the US and Iran back to the negotiating table and expressed support for Pakistan's mediation efforts.

China-Europe Railway Express freight volume up 22 pct in Q1

The China-Europe Railway Express handled a total of 5,460 train trips in the first quarter of 2026, with the goods transported reaching 546,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 29% and 22% year on year, respectively.

On the situation in the Middle East

Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi

On April 15, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Wang Yi stated that China, as always, supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity. President Xi Jinping solemnly put forward the four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, offering a Chinese approach to resolving the crisis.

The current situation has reached a critical juncture between war and peace, and a window of opportunity for peace is opening. China supports sustaining the momentum of ceasefire and negotiations, which serves the fundamental interests of the Iranian people and meets the shared aspiration of regional countries and the international community. The sovereignty, security and legitimate rights and interests of Iran as a country bordering the Strait of Hormuz should be respected and upheld. Meanwhile, the freedom and security of navigation in the internationally accessible strait should also be guaranteed, and striving to restore normal navigation in the strait is a shared call of the international community.

Guided by the essence of President Xi Jinping’s four propositions, China stands ready to continue to facilitate de‑escalation, promote the improvement of relations among regional countries, and play a constructive role in ultimately achieving enduring peace and stability in the Middle East.

MFA Spokesperson on the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon

China welcomes all efforts conducive to ending the conflict. We hope parties will maintain the momentum of ceasefire and negotiation and resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, which is the responsible thing to do.

China Brief

China secures solid Q1 growth, offering stability amid rising global volatility

China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5% year on year in the first quarter of 2026, 0.5 percentage points faster than that of the fourth quarter of 2025, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The country's GDP reached 33.4 trillion yuan (about 4.87 trillion U.S. dollars) during this period, the NBS data showed.

In the first quarter, “the growth of production and supply accelerated, market demand continued to improve, employment was generally stable, market prices picked up moderately, and high-quality development advanced with new and positive momentum,” the NBS said in a statement. “The national economy got off to a good start, with development showing greater resilience and vitality.”

Total imports and exports stood at 11.84 trillion yuan, up 15% year on year. Exports rose by 11.9%, while imports grew by 19.6%.

China-EU trade expanded steadily by 14.6% during the period. Sound industrial chains and vibrant market entities underpinned steady trade growth, while bilateral economic and trade cooperation demonstrated solid fundamentals, delivering stable market opportunities for EU enterprises.

Interactive experiences become major draw at 6th CICPE

The 6th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) opened in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, on April 13, 2026.

The main venue of the expo was packed with visitors lining up across exhibition zones to take part in interactive experiences. Exhibition booths were designed as spaces that integrated technology with everyday life, showcasing a wide range of exhibits alongside innovative activities. The immersive experiences proved to be the main draw, capturing visitors' attention and consistently attracting large crowds.

UN Chinese Language Day Celebrated Worldwide Amid Rising Interest in Learning Chinese

The 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day, themed “Chinese Language, Shining Civilizations,” is being marked by events at UN headquarters and cultural institutions worldwide.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the celebrations coincide with the 80th anniversary of Chinese being designated an official UN language. As one of the oldest languages in the world, Chinese dates back thousands of years and is spoken across the world. It embodies the Oriental wisdom of harmony and diversity, and has witnessed the UN’s pursuit for its ideal for peace over the past 80 years. Language is the vehicle of civilization. All civilizations are humanity’s treasures. They are all absolutely essential and deserve equal respect and joint protection.

He also highlighted growing global interest in learning Chinese, noting that more foreign journalists are using the language at press briefings, and expressed hope that it will further enhance international understanding of China.

Weekly Quote 

It’s time for a more pragmatic EU-China trade relationship

China and the EU can resist protectionist pressures by balancing resilience, autonomy, and openness. They should pragmatically strengthen economic and trade cooperation to jointly uphold an open global trade and investment environment, ensuring mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.

— former Italian Treasury Chief Economist Lorenzo Codogno in an article carried by the London School of Economics blog

Through the Lens

🏔️The ancient glacial kamenitzas in China’s Guizhou offer otherworldly views.

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