China and the EU

Latest news about China and the European Union

The EU’s China Policy is to broaden and deepen political dialogue with China, both bilaterally and on the world stage; to support China's transition to an open society based upon the rule of law and respect for human rights; to encourage the ongoing integration of China in the world economy through bringing it fully into the world trading system, and supporting the process of economic and social reforms; and to raise the EU's profile in China.

Merkel says favours solving solar dispute via talks — 30 August 2012, 15:32 CET

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says a dispute between Chinese and European solar panel makers should be solved via dialogue, not trade limits, as she starts as visit to strengthen economic ties.

Merkel says there is 'political will' to make euro strong — 30 August 2012, 11:38 CET

German leader Angela Merkel said Thursday there was "absolute political will" to strengthen the euro, as she held talks with China's premier Wen Jiabao on the eurozone crisis.

China pledges continued investment in EU — 30 August 2012, 11:37 CET

China's Premier Wen Jiabao said Thursday his country would continue to invest in the European Union after holding talks with visiting German leader Angela Merkel.

EU group slams protectionism in China wine row — 22 August 2012, 12:58 CET

A European business group on Wednesday criticised Chinese calls to probe EU wine imports as "protectionist", as a dispute between the major trading partners threatened to escalate.

China sees red over Europe wine imports — 20 August 2012, 22:39 CET

A Chinese industry group has asked the government to probe European wine imports, claiming EU subsidies are harming domestic producers, state media said Monday.

Brussels launches campaign against counterfeit toys — 02 August 2012, 12:21 CET

The European Commission launched a new campaign Wednesday against counterfeit toys, which are mostly made in China and can pose health risks to children.

Beijing denies solar panel dumping amid EU row — 29 July 2012, 23:35 CET

Beijing on Friday denied accusations of solar panel dumping, saying it hoped Chinese and EU manufacturers could negotiate an end to a dispute that threatens a trade war.

Chinese and EU solar makers at war over dumping — 27 July 2012, 11:35 CET

A host of EU solar makers have called on the Commission to probe alleged dumping practices by its Chinese rivals, as Beijing warns an investigation could trigger a trade war.

Chinese solar makers warn of 'trade war' with EU — 26 July 2012, 23:05 CET

Four leading solar cell manufacturers in China on Thursday warned a possible EU anti-dumping investigation could trigger a "trade war" and urged Beijing to step in to protect their interests.

China criticises EU trade 'discrimination' — 12 July 2012, 12:23 CET

China on Thursday criticised Europe's refusal to ease two long-time trade restrictions as "discrimination", following a high-level meeting between the two sides this week.

China voices support for eurozone — 10 July 2012, 12:11 CET

China says it believe Europe can resolve its debt crisis, as the two sides hold a high-level meeting in Beijing that also covered thorny issues such as Syria, Iran and human rights.

Ashton heads for EU-China talks in Beijing — 08 July 2012, 13:17 CET

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton left Sunday for Beijing where she will hold talks on foreign affairs and security issues on the first leg of a five-day Asian tour.

Ashton to attend EU-China Dialogue in Beijing — 07 July 2012, 14:27 CET

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton will visit Beijing on Monday and Tuesday for talks aimed at boosting coordination on foreign affairs and security, a European diplomatic source said.

China defends limits on rare earths exports — 28 June 2012, 11:12 CET

China has defended its limits on exports of rare earths, after major trading partners sought litigation through the World Trade Organization in a months-long dispute.

China welcomes Spanish bank bailout — 11 June 2012, 11:02 CET

China, a major holder of European debt, on Monday welcomed a eurozone decision to lend Spain up to 100 billion euros ($125 billion) to save its banks, saying it would help lift confidence.

China's rising costs deter European business: survey — 29 May 2012, 11:51 CET

One in five European companies operating in China may invest elsewhere in the future as wages are getting too high and regulations too cumbersome, according to a poll released Tuesday.

EU issues warning to carbon tax rebels China, India — 15 May 2012, 15:53 CET

The European Union on Tuesday gave China and India a month to comply with a new airline carbon emissions fee coming into effect across the bloc, or face penalties for flights in and out of Europe.

RAPEX in 2011 - guide — 08 May 2012, 14:03 CET

EU consumers want to be sure that the products - whether produced in the EU or imported from third-countries - are safe. The RAPEX 2011 Report shows that the EU's rapid alert system for non-food dangerous products ("RAPEX") is increasingly effective. Dangerous products are detected earlier and more effectively and are more promptly removed from the EU market. This process involves a chain of actions including upstream efforts to design out risks at source, better risk assessment and close co-operation between EU authorities, notably customs, to identify risks at the points of entry.

Fewer toxic toys and textiles in EU stores — 08 May 2012, 17:27 CET

Europe last year saw its first drop in the number of toxic toys and skin-irritating textiles stacked on its supermarket shelves, more than half of them made in China, the EU said on Tuesday.

EU offers energy partnership with China — 03 May 2012, 22:13 CET

The European Union on Thursday agreed to set up an energy "partnership" with China ensuring "open" access to each other's markets.

China signs deal to increase investments in Europe — 02 May 2012, 18:06 CET

China and Belgium set up an investment fund to pump more Chinese money into leading European firms Wednesday during a visit by premier-in-waiting Li Keqiang.

EU fraud squad lauds results of 8-year Chinese imports probe — 19 April 2012, 14:11 CET

European Union anti-fraud investigators hailed Thursday the conclusion of an eight-year global probe into duty evasion on Chinese tube and pipe fittings.

China confident in Italy economy, stresses reforms — 31 March 2012, 21:02 CET

China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said Saturday Italy could return to economic growth as long as it implements reforms, speaking at a Beijing meeting with Italian counterpart Mario Monti.

EU WTO challenge to China's export restrictions on rare earths - guide — 13 March 2012, 22:00 CET

The European Union has launched a second challenge of China's export restrictions on raw materials including 17 rare earths, as well as tungsten and molybdenum. Together with the US and Japan, the EU formally requested dispute settlement consultations with China in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This follows a successful EU challenge at the WTO on similar restrictions for other raw materials earlier this year.

A primer on rare earth minerals — 13 March 2012, 19:32 CET

Rare earth minerals, at the heart of a major trade dispute between China and the United States, the European Union and Japan, are coveted natural resources used in high-tech items ranging from iPhones to missiles.