This edition brings you the latest updates on China-Europe high-level exchanges and the Fifth Plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Enjoy reading!

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President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany

On the afternoon of October 30, President Xi Jinping held talks with German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi noted that over the past five decades and more since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Germany have sustained high-level development of bilateral ties, and remained friends with mutual trust and partners contributing to each other’s success. Today, changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, and the dimension of change and turbulence is becoming more prominent. As the world’s second and third largest economies, China and Germany shoulder major responsibility for the development of China-EU relations and steady global economic growth. In this context, the two countries should strengthen communication and coordination, set a new paradigm of cooperation featuring equality, mutual benefit and strategic stability, and send out a positive message of choosing openness and cooperation over isolation and confrontation. China is ready to work with Germany to usher in a new chapter of China-Germany all-round strategic partnership, and strive for a more just and equitable global governance system.

President Xi stressed that the key to governance lies in consistency. With a consistent, stable and predictable policy toward Germany, China has attached great importance to Germany’s status as a major country, has always supported Germany’s unity and development, and welcomes Germany playing a greater role in European and international affairs. It is hoped that Germany will view China’s development and its cooperation with China with an open and positive attitude, uphold a rational, pragmatic and friendly policy toward China, and stay committed to mutual respect and equality. This is also the valuable experience gained from the sustained and sound development of China-Germany relations. Germany stands out in advanced manufacturing and quality products, and China is advancing Chinese modernization through high-quality development. The two sides have compatible development strategies and broad space for cooperation. China has been firmly advancing high-standard opening up and improving its business environment. China welcomes foreign companies, German companies included, to expand their presence in China and share in the benefits of China’s super-sized market. It is hoped that Germany will uphold openness and inclusiveness, provide a fair, transparent and nondiscriminatory business environment for Chinese companies in Germany, and expand and strengthen practical cooperation between the two countries. China is ready to work with Germany in such areas as artificial intelligence, green and low-carbon development, trade in services and the digital economy, and jointly boost future competitiveness to bring new dimensions and momentum to bilateral cooperation. Both Chinese and German peoples are known for their diligence, wisdom and resilience, and support China-Germany friendship. The two sides need to support exchanges in culture, education and art and facilitate personnel exchanges, with a view to promoting people-to-people connectivity and creating a good atmosphere for celebrating the 55th anniversary of China-Germany diplomatic relations next year.

President Xi pointed out that China has always regarded the European Union as a partner and developed relations with the EU with sincerity and goodwill. History and reality have proven time and again that for China and the EU, cooperation and consensus outweigh competition and differences. The essence of China-EU trade and economic relations lies in complementarity and mutual benefit. The path to enabling each other’s success is mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual accommodation. And the key to coordinated development is seeking common ground while reserving differences, and upholding fundamental principles while breaking new ground. China-EU relations have gone through a lot. Some problems arising in the course of cooperation are problems of development and issues in the course of progress. As long as the two sides remain committed to the characterization of partnership and uphold dialogue on an equal footing, differences and issues can always be solved and will not hinder the development of China-EU relations. It is hoped that the EU and China will work in the same direction and jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

President Xi briefed Federal President Steinmeier on the fifth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. President Xi noted that to do a good job of governing the country, we must first do a good job of governing the Party, and only when the Party thrives can the country become strong. To persevere with full and rigorous Party self-governance will surely win extensive endorsement and support of the people. The CPC is ready to carry out governance experience exchanges with major political parties in Germany and other countries.

Federal President Steinmeier said that he had paid eight visits to China in the past 25 years, and witnessed China’s rapid development and its new progress during every visit. China has become a major country in the world with extraordinary political influence and economic and technological strength. Germany has full respect for the remarkable development achievements China has made under the leadership of President Xi. With a close, mutually beneficial and dynamic bilateral relationship, Germany and China have always respected each other and engaged in dialogue on an equal footing. Cooperation in various fields has delivered tangible outcomes, contributing to each other’s development. Germany firmly upholds the one-China policy, has every confidence in the prospects of bilateral relations, and is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with China, step up cooperation in trade, science and technology, artificial intelligence and environmental protection and promote people-to-people exchanges. The two sides can properly address economic and trade differences through dialogue and consultation, so as to achieve mutual benefit and set an example for the world. As the international order is under pressure, the world expects China to play a greater role. Germany is ready to work with China to shoulder the responsibility for upholding world peace and development, uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, safeguard the authority of international law, support free trade and WTO rules, reject protectionism and oppose trade wars.

President Xi Jinping Meets with President Guy Parmelin of the Swiss Confederation

On the afternoon of October 30, President Xi Jinping met with President Guy Parmelin of the Swiss Confederation, who is on a working visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping noted that Switzerland is an important partner of China in Europe, and its cooperation with China has consistently been among the best in Europe. Despite the headwinds of unilateralism and protectionism, free trade cooperation has become the hallmark of China-Switzerland relations. This fully shows the political courage and responsibility of our two countries in pursuing open cooperation, and the unique leading role we have played in advancing an open world economy. In today’s world, economies prosper together if they stay connected, and fall behind when they shut themselves off. China is ready to work with Switzerland to champion openness, strengthen the bond of cooperation, promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and jointly inject much-needed confidence and greater certainty into China-Europe economic and trade cooperation and global economic growth.

President Xi Jinping stressed that China and Switzerland, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, have been committed to mutual success and pioneering cooperation, and turning the spirit of China-Switzerland cooperation featuring equality, innovation and win-win results into tangible outcomes. This relationship has become a shining example of exchanges between countries that differ in size and social system. The two sides need to treat each other with respect and as equals, and strengthen exchanges at various levels and policy synergy across the board. As China is developing new quality productive forces at a faster pace and steadily expanding institutional opening up, it will build the Chinese market into one that is open to the world and benefits all. The two sides need to adhere to mutual benefit and turn the blueprint of open cooperation into tangible results. China and Switzerland need to strengthen innovation cooperation, foster cooperation in such emerging sectors as digital economy, green energy storage and artificial intelligence, build high-quality industrial and supply chains featuring collaborative innovation and shared benefits, and jointly promote AI for the positive, for good and for humanity.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that Switzerland has long played an important and exemplary role in China-Europe economic and trade exchanges. It is hoped that Switzerland will leverage its unique influence, and play a positive role in promoting an upward balance and the steady growth of China-Europe trade. China and Switzerland share similar positions and ideals in supporting multilateralism. The two sides need to deepen multilateral coordination and mutual support, firmly uphold the U.N.-centered international system and international order underpinned by international law, reform and improve the global governance system, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

President Guy Parmelin said that Switzerland has always taken pride in being one of the first Western countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China, which started a long-standing and dynamic partnership. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides have always respected each other, maintained close high-level exchanges, and yielded fruitful cooperation results in such areas as trade and investment, scientific innovation, labor and employment. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Switzerland‑China innovative strategic partnership. The two sides have concluded talks on upgrading the free trade agreement in a short period of time and to a high standard. It reflects a high degree of mutual trust, meets the expectations of businesses and other stakeholders in both countries, and will lend new momentum to bilateral relations. Switzerland stays committed to the one‑China policy, and hopes to strengthen dialogue and exchanges with China, pursue win‑win cooperation and push for greater progress in cooperation across all fields. Switzerland attaches great importance to China’s positive role in international affairs and is ready to work closely with China to uphold multilateralism and free trade, and make contributions to world development, prosperity, peace and stability.

President Xi Jinping Sends Message of Condolence to King Felipe VI of Spain over a High-Speed Train Rear-End Collision and Derailment in Spain

On October 29, 2026, President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to King Felipe VI of Spain over a high-speed train rear-end collision and derailment in Spain.

Xi Jinping said that he was shocked to learn of the tragic high-speed train rear-end collision and derailment in Toledo Province, Spain, which resulted in heavy casualties. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he expressed deep condolences for the victims, extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

On the same day, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council sent a message of condolence to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

CPC plenum concludes, adopting resolution on persevering with full, rigorous Party self-governance

Click to read the full text: Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Certain Major Issues concerning Persevering with Full and Rigorous Party Self-Governance

Click to read the full text: Explanation of the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Certain Major Issues concerning Persevering with Full and Rigorous Party Self-Governance

China-Europe Interactions

Wang Yi Holds Talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir

On October 29, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir in Beijing.

Wang Yi said that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Iceland. Iceland has always been a pioneer in developing relations with China. At the early stage of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Iceland explicitly supported the restoration of China’s lawful seat in the United Nations, and was the first European country to sign a bilateral free trade agreement and a bilateral currency swap agreement with China. These are of great significance in the history of bilateral relations and China-Europe relations, and have also set an example for China-Europe exchanges. 

Wang Yi said that the Chinese market is huge, and China will continue to adhere to high-level opening up. China is ready to share development opportunities with Iceland, tap cooperation potential, strengthen cooperation in economy and trade, geothermal energy, green transition, oceans, the Arctic and other fields, enhance exchanges in tourism, joint scientific research, talent training and other aspects, and vigorously promote people-to-people connectivity between the two countries. In the face of the current turbulent international situation, the two sides should strengthen coordination, jointly uphold multilateralism, international rule of law and the central role of the United Nations in international affairs, promote the building of a more just and reasonable global governance system, and make new contributions to safeguarding world peace and stability.

Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir congratulated the Communist Party of China on convening the fifth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee, saying that China’s success is also of great significance to the world. Iceland has always harbored friendly feelings toward China. The ideas in President Xi Jinping’s works on governance are deeply inspiring, especially the people-centered governance philosophy. Iceland admires China’s tremendous development achievements, attaches great importance to Iceland-China relations, understands and respects China’s position of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will continue to abide by the one-China policy. She thanked China for its valuable support for Iceland in safeguarding its core interests such as fisheries. Both Iceland and China have open economies. Since the signing of the free trade agreement in 2013, bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results. The successful launch of direct flights between the two countries will further promote personnel exchanges. Iceland is ready to work with China to actively promote the upgrading of the free trade agreement and continuously deepen and expand cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, fisheries, geothermal energy, green energy, and Arctic affairs. Currently, international law and multilateralism are facing challenges, and free trade is facing headwinds. Iceland is ready to strengthen coordination with China, uphold international rule of law, free trade and multilateral mechanisms, and jointly respond to global challenges.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao meets Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Tuesday that China and the EU are key forces in upholding the multilateral trading system, stressing that China is not the source of the EU's problems but a partner in solving them. He urged the EU to work with China to promote more balanced and mutually beneficial trade in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, according to the ministry's official statement on Wednesday.

The meeting came amid renewed efforts by China and the EU to stabilize bilateral trade ties, following productive talks earlier this month that yielded 16 points of consensus on issues including trade and investment, export controls and WTO reform.

Wang noted that the EU has recently stepped up restrictive trade efforts, negatively affecting the stability of China-EU industrial and supply chains and cooperation between businesses on both sides.

Wang stressed that China is not the source of the EU's problems, but a partner in addressing them. He expressed hope that the EU would work with China to promote more balanced and stronger bilateral trade by expanding two-way investment, increasing imports from the EU and broadening cooperation in emerging sectors, in line with WTO rules and the principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit.

China's Ministry of Commerce is willing to strengthen communication with the committee to jointly promote the stable and sound development of China-EU economic and trade relations, Wang said.

Lange said that the EU is willing to develop stable and balanced economic and trade relations with China, uphold the multilateral trading system, advance WTO reform and promote global economic growth. He added that the EU welcomes investment from Chinese companies and is willing to explore new areas of cooperation for mutual benefit.

Chinese Mission to the EU Holds the Launch Ceremony of the Promotional Video on China’s Visa-Free Policy for EU Countries

On October 27, 2026, the Chinese Mission to the EU held a launch ceremony for the promotional video on China’s visa-free policy for EU countries at Brussels Airport. Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, and Mr. Eduardo Santander, CEO of the European Travel Commission, attended and addressed the event. More than 50 participants were presented, including Ms. Li Yan, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Belgium, Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU, Chinese airlines and financial institutions, and Brussels Airport, as well as representatives from political, business, academic, and media communities in China and Europe.

In his speech, Ambassador Cai Run noted that this year marks the beginning of the second 50 years of China-EU relations. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and EU leaders, China-EU relations have maintained steady momentum, with new progress being made in practical cooperation across various fields. People-to-people and cultural exchanges are an important part of China-EU relations. We welcome people from all walks of life in Europe to take advantage of visa-free travel and other facilitation measures to visit China, experience the country firsthand, discover a China that is real, multidimensional and comprehensive, and share what they see and experience with their families and friends. China stands ready to work with the EU to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and European peoples and promote the steady and sustained development of China-EU relations.

Mr. Santander said that as two great civilizations, Europe and China enjoy a relationship based on shared visions and consensus. China’s visa-free policy has greatly facilitated travel to China for European visitors, helping foster closer people-to-people ties and promote mutual understanding between Europe and China. He expressed the hope that both sides could work together for a better future.

China to send giant panda to Belgium, continuing conservation collaboration

Giant panda Ran Ran will be sent to Belgium to join an ongoing conservation and research program, following a supplementary agreement signed by the China Wildlife Conservation Association and Pairi Daiza, Belgium's best-known zoo, in September 2026.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium. Ran Ran's planned arrival represents an important step by the two countries to deepen their cooperation in wildlife conservation.

Over the years, China and Belgium have achieved positive results through collaboration in giant panda breeding and husbandry, disease prevention and control, public education, and scientific research. The program has also contributed to closer people-to-people ties and international efforts to conserve biodiversity.

Spokesperson’s Remarks

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Comments on China-EU Relations

Bloomberg: The European Union is planning potential trade measures that could be proposed early next year to cut imports of chemicals, furniture and machinery from China, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Does the foreign ministry have any comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: As far as China is concerned, the relationship with the EU is essentially a partnership, and the economic and trade ties are mutually beneficial. The success of the recent second meeting of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation fully proves that the two sides can properly handle differences in economy and trade through dialogue and consultation. It is in the interest of both sides to step up dialogue and consultation and deepen economic and trade cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, which is also the shared expectation of the business community and people of both sides. It is hoped that the EU will abide by the principles of market economy and fair competition, avoid abusing trade remedies, and take concrete actions to promote the steady and sound development of China-EU relations. 

Reuters: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on European and Asian middle powers to build a strategic alliance in trade, technology and security in his speech in Singapore yesterday. And even though he warned that a full economic decoupling from China would be “a mistake,” he said that Europe and Asia must reduce “unhealthy, one-sided dependencies.” On Germany’s policy towards China, he described it as “coming of age” and aligned with the EU. On all these points that Mr. Merz made, what is the foreign ministry’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: China stands for openness and cooperation, and stays committed to working with all parties to keep global industrial and supply chains stable and secure and inject more impetus and certainty into world economy. Between China and Germany and between China and Europe, there is a high degree of economic complementarity. Our industries are mutually embedded and our practical cooperation is mutually beneficial. It is hoped that Germany and the EU will stay objective and rational, and work in the same direction with China, so that we can be each other’s trustworthy and predictable partners, resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation, keep the global industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and provide more certainty for cooperation between our business communities.

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Through the Lens

Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, blends cultural heritage and nature resources for sustainable urban growth

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