Weekly
=== NEWSLETTER Nº 16===
27 April 2026
This issue brings together the latest news in China and key updates in China-EU relations. Enjoy reading!
China-EU relations
China's top legislator meets European Parliament vice president
Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met with Vice President of the European Parliament Younous Omarjee in Beijing on April 21.
Zhao said China stands ready to work with the EU to deliver on the important consensus reached by the leaders of both sides, so as to advance the steady and long-term development of China-EU relations.
Noting that the exchange mechanism between the NPC and the European Parliament has been instrumental in deepening mutual understanding and advancing practical cooperation, Zhao expressed hope that the two sides will expand exchanges and cooperation.
Omarjee said the legislative bodies of the EU and China have resumed regular exchanges and made positive progress, which underscores the political will of both sides to move forward EU-China relations.
The European Parliament adheres to the one-China policy and is ready to step up dialogue and exchanges with the NPC in a spirit of candor and mutual respect, Omarjee added.
Stability and balance key to EU-China relations ——Interview with vice president Younous Omarjee
（click to watch the video）
Against a backdrop of shifting global alliances, trade tensions, and a rapidly changing geopolitical order, senior European leaders have been making a series of high-profile trips to China. CGTN reporter Feng Yilei sat down with Younous Omarjee, vice-president of the European Parliament, shortly after his meetings with China's senior legislators in Beijing. They discussed inter-parliamentary exchanges, legislative process that may reshape coordination and the future of China-EU ties.
China voices grave concern over draft revision of EU Cybersecurity Act
China has expressed grave concern over a draft revision of the European Union (EU)'s Cybersecurity Act, stating that it politicizes trade and economic issues and overstretches the concept of security, the Ministry of Commerce said on April 20.
In the comments submitted to the European Commission, China pointed out that the draft may violate basic World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, including the principle of most-favored-nation treatment and the principle of national treatment, as well as the EU's specific commitments on trade in services.
If adopted, it would cause substantive harm to China-EU economic and trade relations, severely disrupt global industrial and supply chains, and weigh on the EU's own digital and green transition.
China expressed hope that the EU will give due consideration to the submitted comments and proposed revisions, strictly abide by WTO rules, avoid discriminatory restrictive measures, and safeguard the stability and smooth operation of China-EU and global industrial and supply chains.
China will closely follow the progress of the draft revision and stands ready to engage in dialogue with the EU on the matter, the spokesperson said, warning that should the EU insist on turning the draft into law and discriminate against Chinese companies, China would have to take corresponding countermeasures.
China adds 7 EU entities to export control list
China's Ministry of Commerce announced on April 24 that it has decided to add seven European Union (EU) entities to its export control list to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international non-proliferation obligations.
Before announcing these measures, China had informed the European side through the bilateral export control dialogue mechanism, according to the spokesperson.
China's listing decision targets only a few EU military-related entities that were involved in arms sales to or collusion with Taiwan, and the measures apply solely to dual-use items and do not affect normal trade and economic exchanges between China and the EU, the spokesperson said, adding that honest and law-abiding EU entities need not be concerned at all.
The "China-Europe Research and Innovation Tour 2026" was officially launched in Beijing
The "China-Europe Research and Innovation Tour 2026" was officially launched in Beijing on April 22, organized by China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).Representatives from the EU Delegation and 12 European nations,including Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the UK attended the ceremony.
The STI cooperation is a vital bond for mutual understanding and development. This initiative provides a pragmatic platform to elevate China-Europe collaboration to deeper levels.The inaugural session (April 22–24) spans Beijing and Tianjin, featuring policy dialogue,case sharing and field surveys.
The event signals a proactive step toward building a more open and integrated global research ecosystem.
China Brief
Wang Yi Attends the Third High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development
On April 22, the Third High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development was held in Beijing. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.
Wang Yi stated that this year marks the fifth anniversary of President Xi Jinping's proposal of the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Over the past five years, with the concerted efforts of all parties, the GDI has expanded from a Chinese proposition to an international consensus, and evolved from a cooperation concept to rich practice. It has injected vitality into the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, driving global development cause to take new strides and achieve new accomplishments.
Wang Yi emphasized that China is ready to work with all parties to use the implementation of the GDI as a platform to pool extensive development resources, build a solid development foundation, adhere to the path of peaceful development, foster an open environment for development, and make steady progress toward the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity. China will take active actions, deepen cooperation, always remain a promoter and contributor to global development, and work with all parties to break new ground in global development through concrete actions.
Representatives from over 140 countries, international organizations and other institutions participated in the conference both online and offline.
China's rural industries maintain solid growth momentum in Q1
China's rural industries maintained solid growth momentum in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, with agri-food processing, rural tourism and industrial integration all posting stellar performances, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said at a press conference.
Value-added output of agri-food processing enterprises with an annual main business revenue of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.91 million U.S. dollars) grew 6.8 percent year on year in the January-March period, according to the ministry.
Official data also showed that rural residents saw their per capita disposable income grow 5.4 percent in real terms from a year ago in the first three months, outpacing urban income growth by 2.2 percentage points.
China makes major strides in fight against desertification, shares lessons with world
China, as one of the countries most severely affected by desertification, has brought 53 percent of its treatable degraded land under effective management, and has contributed roughly 25 percent of the world's new green coverage.
China has been sharing its desertification control concepts, technologies and expertise worldwide, training nearly 100 specialists from developing countries each year.
China has also turned its fight against desertification into a driver of economic development and improved livelihoods.
China marks navy's 77th anniversary amid growing role in safeguarding peace
On April 23, China celebrated the 77th anniversary of the founding of its navy, whose growing strength has become an important force for regional and global stability.
As part of the celebrations, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy plans to open bases in more than 10 cities to the public, with over 40 active-duty vessels on display, according to the official schedule.
The Chinese military is a firm force for safeguarding world peace and stability, and that its growing strength contributes to the broader forces for peace worldwide.
News of our Mission
The Second Event of the “China Briefing” Series on China’s High-Quality Development and China–EU Economic and Trade Cooperation
On April 21, the Mission of China to the EU held the second event of the “China Briefing” series in Brussels. Ma Jiantang, Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice Chairman of the Committee of Economic Affairs, was invited to deliver a keynote lecture on “China’s High-Quality Development and China–EU Economic and Trade Cooperation.”
Ma provided an in-depth overview of the guiding principles of China’s “Two Sessions,” comprehensively explained the significance of formulating and implementing Five-Year Plans for China’s governance, and offered a detailed interpretation of the blueprint for advancing Chinese modernization during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. He also elaborated on the broad opportunities created by China’s pursuit of high-quality development and high-standard opening-up for China–EU economic and trade cooperation.
Ambassador Cai Run noted that the “China Briefing” Series is a platform established by the Mission of China to the EU to help European counterparts gain a better understanding of China and China–EU relations. China stands ready to enhance mutual understanding and promote mutual learning with the European side.
Spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the EU Speaks on a Question Concerning the Inclusion of Chinese Entities in the EU’s 20th Package of Sanctions Against Russia
Q: On April 23, 2026, the EU announced its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes listing and sanctions against Chinese entities and a Chinese individual. What is China’s comment?
A: Despite China’s strong opposition and repeated solemn representations, the EU announced its 20th package of sanctions against Russia which once again includes listings and sanctions against Chinese entities and a Chinese individual. China once again expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this move and has 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’s objective and impartial position and its constructive role have been widely recognized and supported by the international community.
We firmly oppose the EU’s attempts to shift blame onto China and to smear China over the Ukraine crisis, and strongly oppose its groundless listings and sanctions against Chinese enterprises and individuals. China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens.
Weekly Quote
"Today's China is a truly great power: an economic power, a geopolitical power, and a civilizational power—as is Europe. Together, we can move forward on biodiversity, on the oceans, on space, and on that major challenge which is the fight against climate change. And also to maintain a multilateral framework, the respect of international law, and together to act for peace — in the interest of the peoples, in the interest of the Chinese people, in the interest of the European peoples, and ultimately, in the interest of all of humanity."
Through the Lens
On April 23, the second phase of the 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) kicked off.
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: GU Wenjie
