Weekly
=== NEWSLETTER Nº 06===
9 February 2026
In this edition, we look back at the key highlights from recent developments, with a particular focus on interactions between Chinese and European leaders, as well as the latest updates from China’s technology sector. We hope you enjoy reading.
Important News
President Xi Jinping Speaks with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the Phone
On the evening of February 4, 2026, President Xi Jinping spoke with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the phone.
President Xi noted that over the past year, we have enjoyed sound communication, and had a successful meeting in Busan, charting the direction and course for China-U.S. relations. This has been welcomed by the people of both countries and the broader international community. I attach great importance to this relationship. In the new year, I hope to work with you to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations steadily forward through winds and storms, and accomplish more big things and good things. Just as the U.S. has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns. China always means what it says and matches its words with actions and results. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other’s concerns. Both China and the U.S. have important items on our agenda this year. China will kick off its 15th Five-Year Plan, and the U.S. will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence. China will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and the U.S., the G20 Summit. The two sides should follow the common understandings we have reached, enhance dialogue and communication, manage differences properly, and expand practical cooperation. It is always right to do a good thing, however small, and always wrong to do a bad thing, however small. We should make progress step by step to build mutual trust, find the right way to get along, and make 2026 a year where our two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.
President Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. Taiwan is China’s territory. China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated. The U.S. must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence.
President Trump said that both the U.S. and China are great countries, and the U.S.-China relationship is by far the most important in the world. I have a great relationship with President Xi, and a lot of respect for President Xi. Under our leadership, the U.S. and China are doing well in economy and trade. I want to see China succeed. The U.S. would like to work with China and make more progress in bilateral ties. I understand how China feels about the Taiwan question. I would like the two sides to continue talking to each other and keep the relationship in good shape during my presidency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Holds the New Year Reception 2026
On February 5, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the New Year Reception 2026. Nearly 500 people, including diplomatic envoys from various countries to China, representatives of international organizations in China and their spouses, as well as representatives from various Chinese government departments, attended the event.
In his remarks, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the year 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Over the past year, despite the headwinds and turbulence in the international environment, China has stayed committed to the right path in its diplomacy. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War and made a strong call for peace and justice. China stood firmly against unilateralism and protectionism and resolutely defended the multilateral trading system. China worked actively to deescalate hotspot issues and explore solutions that address both the symptoms and root causes. In particular, the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping has pointed the way forward for a world amidst the critical evolution of the global order. Looking back over the past year, no matter how the world has changed, China's position of safeguarding international fairness and justice has remained steadfast. Its commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity has stayed unwavering. In a fluid and turbulent world, it has continued to be a source of much-needed certainty and demonstrated valuable constructiveness. All this has won increasing understanding and recognition from the international community.
China-Europe Interactions
Closer business ties with Europe expected
🔸 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer buys a box of biscuits on a visit to Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai on Friday. Kin Cheung / AP
Recent visits to China by top European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, indicate that the country's rapid development and expanding innovation capabilities will serve as a key engine for deeper economic cooperation and new business opportunities between the two sides.
China Brief
China shares market opportunities with global firms
By pushing the expansion of high-level opening-up and proactively sharing its vast market, China is emerging as a source of certainty for international businesses, offering stable demand and long-term growth opportunities at a time when global economic recovery remains fragile and trade fragmentation is intensifying.
Speaking at the launch of the Beijing International Premium Products Event for "Big Market for All: Export to China", Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said that the event reflects China's proactive efforts to further open up, expand imports and promote more balanced trade growth.
"China remains dedicated to turning its vast market into one that benefits the whole world, expanding the pie of cooperation, jointly tackling development challenges, upholding the multilateral trading system and free trade, and injecting positive momentum into the global economy," Wang said.
China's internet user base hits 1.125 billion, generative AI sees expanded adoption
🔸 A child interacts with the AI toy Ropet at the inno100 flagship store in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 21, 2025
China had 1.125 billion internet users by the end of 2025, with the penetration rate climbing to 80.1 percent, according to an official industry report.
The report, released by the China Internet Network Information Center on Thursday, underscores broader adoption of generative AI technology across the country's consumer and industrial sectors, with user numbers reaching 602 million.
The report reaches the conclusion that China's internet sector had achieved "significant progress" during the 2021-2025 period, citing expanded coverage, deeper application and improved technological innovation.
China narrows semiconductor equipment gap
Three Chinese equipment manufacturers have ranked among the world's top 20 by sales for the first time in 2025, a milestone for China's semiconductor industry. This marks an increase from just one company in the pre-stricter United States-government-restriction era of 2022, underscoring China's accelerated progress in bolstering the domestic supply chain.
The progress is an outcome of Chinese companies' hard work and big investment in beefing up technological prowess. China's massive domestic market, now the world's largest for chipmaking equipment, also provides a powerful launchpad.
NW China's Xinjiang sees dual rise in foreign firms, investment in 2025
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China saw foreign investment play an increasingly prominent role in its economic development in 2025, with strong growth in both new foreign firms and capital utilization, according to the regional department of commerce.
Last year, Xinjiang recorded a 21.97-percent increase in newly established foreign-funded firms and a 9.8-percent expansion in actual foreign capital utilization.
The department said that Xinjiang has implemented a series of targeted measures to stabilize foreign investment, including policies to encourage the establishment and development of foreign-funded R&D centers in the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone. These efforts aim to create a comprehensive business environment characterized by market-oriented principles, rule of law and international standards.
Spokeperson's Remarks
China urges EU to stop abusing unilateral trade tools
China on Wednesday urged the European Union (EU) to abide by its commitment to market openness and fair competition, and stop abusing unilateral economic and trade tools.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily news briefing in response to the EU's announcement of an investigation into a Chinese clean energy company, citing concerns that the company benefited from state subsidies and distorted competition within the EU market.
Lin noted that the EU has frequently resorted to unilateral economic and trade tools, imposing discriminatory and restrictive measures on Chinese enterprises. Such actions send a protectionist signal, undermine the EU's image, and dampen the confidence of Chinese companies to invest in Europe, he added.
"We urge the EU to honor its commitment to market openness and fair competition, stop abusing unilateral trade policy tools, and provide a fair, transparent, and non‑discriminatory business environment for companies around the world," Lin said.
He added that China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
Weekly Quote
🔸A selected artwork from "Reviewing the 50-Year Journey of China-EU Relations, Joining Hands to Embrace a Shared Future" Creative Contest.
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: Zhang Lin
