This edition highlights the latest news from China, and exchanges between China and the EU. Enjoy reading!

Important News 

President Xi Jinping Sends Message to 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong’an)

On October 23, President Xi Jinping sent a message to the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong’an).

Xi Jinping noted that the world is undergoing accelerated transformation unseen in a century, and the deficits in peace, development, security and governance are growing rather than diminishing. He has put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system and a better world. China stands ready to work with all parties to uphold the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, pool strength through confidence-building and tackle challenges through cooperation. He called for efforts to promote the implementation of the GGI to inject more certainty and positive energy into a world of turbulence and transformation, and jointly move toward a community with a shared future for humanity.

The 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong’an) opened on the same day in Xiong’an New Area, Hebei. Hosted by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, it is themed “Rebuilding Confidence and Cooperation: Reforming and Improving Global Governance in a Transforming World.”

President Xi Jinping calls for new achievements on new Long March

President Xi Jinping on October 22 called for new achievements on the new Long March as China commemorates the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Red Army's Long March.

"Only by remembering history can we create a brighter future," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, when addressing a gathering held in Beijing to mark the anniversary.

Xi said the great spirit of the Long March demonstrates the power of loyalty, truth, justice and unity. "It will always be a precious treasure and a powerful driving force inspiring us to overcome difficulties and forge ahead courageously."

He said the road of the Long March continues to extend. "On our new journey, we are now committed to realizing the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization," he said.

President Xi Jinping exchanges congratulations with Belgium's King Philippe over 55th anniversary of ties

President Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Belgium relations and stands ready to work with King Philippe to take the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations as an opportunity to guide China-Belgium all-round friendly cooperative partnership to new heights, and to make new contributions to promoting the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

In his message, Philippe said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Belgium and China have developed extensive and diversified cooperative relations. Belgium stands ready to develop balanced and mutually beneficial relations with China, address common global challenges, and promote peace, stability and sustainable development.

Chinese premier Li Qiang says SCO should promote regional stability, prosperity, contribute to global development

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Oct. 20, 2026.

🔷China stands ready to work hand in hand with all member states to enhance the organization's operational efficiency, strengthen and consolidate cooperation projects, and play a leading and exemplary role in advancing the SCO's high-quality development, implementing the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi, and building a community with a shared future for humanity.

🔷The SCO should strengthen economic and trade cooperation and promote regional economic integration by leveraging the complementary strengths of its members, build a stable and resilient system of international transport corridors, and safeguard the stability and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains.

 Pooling Wisdom and Efforts for Global Governance
To Build Stability and Capacity in a Volatile and Changing World

Keynote Address by H.E. Wang Yi at the Opening Ceremony of The 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong’an)

🔷First, China will deliver a successful APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November.

🔷Second, China will remain deeply engaged in advancing U.N. reform.

🔷Third, China will encourage the Group of Friends of Global Governance to play a bigger role.

🔷Fourth, China will work for the full and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. 

🔷Fifth, China will promote the recalibration of global human rights governance.

🔷Sixth, China will issue a Position Paper on Strengthening Outer Space Governance.

🔷Seventh, China will issue a Progress Report on the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All.

🔷Eighth, China will establish a Global Governance Research Center. 

(Read the full text of his speech.)

China-EU Exchanges 

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Visit China

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will pay a state visit to China from October 27 to 31. China is ready to take this visit as an opportunity to consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation and pursue innovation, seek greater progress in China-Germany relations, help China-EU relations achieve steady and sustained growth, and inject more positive energy into the world.

Freight train to Europe marks new milestone

140,000+ trips across Eurasia: A new milestone for China Railway Express.

More trains, more trade, more shared prosperity.

The Mission of China to the EU Holds the Fourth Event of the “China Briefing” Series on China’s Green Development and China-EU Green Cooperation

On October 21, 2026, the Chinese Mission to the EU held the fourth event of the “China Briefing” series in Strasbourg, France. Mr. Xie Zhenhua, former Special Envoy for Climate Change of China, was invited to deliver a keynote lecture on “China’s Green Development and China-EU Green Cooperation.” Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, presided over the event. More than 120 participants were present, including Members of the European Parliament, officials from EU institutions, diplomats from diplomatic missions to the EU and France, local government officials, and representatives of educational institutions, businesses, the media and think tanks.

Mr. Xie provided a comprehensive overview of the climate change and environmental challenges facing the world today, offered an in-depth analysis of China’s achievements in green transition and its governance practices in climate, energy and other areas, and outlined the broad prospects for China-EU green cooperation. He also answered questions from participants.

Ambassador Cai noted that green is the defining color of China-EU cooperation. China stands ready to work with the EU in the same direction, uphold the positioning of partnership, stay committed to cooperation as the main theme, and work together to address global challenges such as climate change. The two sides should leverage their respective strengths to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results at a higher level, injecting greater impetus into the development of China-EU relations.

The lecture featured a lively atmosphere and active exchanges. Participants spoke highly of the event and commended China’s achievements in green development. They expressed their hope that China and the EU will strengthen exchanges and mutual learning, continue to deepen their green partnership, and work together for positive outcomes at the Antalya Climate Change Conference (COP31).

Foreign Ministry Spokespersons' Remarks

On the Arctic

A: The Arctic bears on the common interests of the international community. Countries’ right and freedom to carry out activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law needs to be fully respected. China’s activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting the peace, stability and sustainable development of the region. They are in line with the international law.

Dividing countries into blocs out of the Cold-War mentality and inciting geopolitical confrontation are not in the interest of peace, stability and development in the Arctic region.

On the 55th Anniversary of the Restoration of China’s Lawful Seat in the United Nations

A: On October 25, 1971, the UN General Assembly adopted at its 26th session Resolution 2758 with an overwhelming majority, deciding to restore all rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations. This marked the return of the Chinese people, one-fourth of the world’s population, back to the UN stage, which is of great significance and far-reaching impact for China, the wider world and the United Nations itself. The Chinese people shall always remember the invaluable support and help we received from friendly countries and individuals.

Over the past 55 years, China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a guardian of the international order. We firmly support the UN in playing a central role in international affairs, actively participate in the work of the UN in various fields, and faithfully fulfill our duties as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through the UN, we work to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other countries, advocate for common security, promote shared development, foster dialogue among civilizations, and advance the reform and improvement of global governance.

Standing at this new starting point of history, China will continue to shoulder its responsibility as a major country, further deepen cooperation with the UN across the board, jointly tackle global challenges, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

China in Brief

China’s Q3 Economy Picks Up Pace, Reinforcing Role as Global Growth Engine

China's economy picked up pace in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, supported by fast-growing new drivers and fresh policy support, staying on track to meet its annual growth target and remaining a leading engine of global growth.

China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 4.5% y-o-y in Q3, higher than the second quarter's reading of 4.3%, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed. The world's second-largest economy generated about 107.11 trln yuan (about US$15.94 trln) in output during the January-September period, expanding 4.6% y-o-y.

New growth drivers continued to expand, contributing more than 40% to China's economic growth in the first three quarters. Value-added industrial output rose 5.3% y-o-y, with equipment manufacturing up 10.2% and high-tech manufacturing up 14.3%. Output of industrial robots, lithium-ion batteries and 3D printing equipment jumped 29.1%, 39.5% and 62.5%, respectively.

Rescue efforts continue after 7.0-magnitude quake in China's Xizang

Rescue and relief efforts continue after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Baqen County of the city of Nagqu in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

Relief supplies and rescue personnel continue to arrive in the affected areas. As of 11 a.m. on October 24, 52,450 items or sets of disaster relief supplies had been sent to the quake zone, while more than 2,500 rescue personnel were engaged in relief operations. The supplies include 4,651 tents, 2,000 prefabricated houses, 11,772 folding beds, 5,715 quilts and other cold-weather necessities.

Authorities have established 35 temporary resettlement sites in the disaster zone. Medical treatment and public health and epidemic prevention efforts are proceeding in an orderly manner, the headquarters said. Power supply in the quake-hit area was fully restored on the night of October 24, according to the State Grid.

Weekly Quote 

Through the Lens

🔸Xiong’an New Area in Hebei—a millennial project for China’s development and a new path for modern governance—has risen from the ground in just nine years, transforming into a true city of the future. 

🔸October 25 marks the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration.

Click to watch “The Way Home”.

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.

Click to subscribe. Please let us know if you have any suggestions or comments about this newsletter. 

                                                                                   Editor: JIANG Qian