Mikołaj Woźniak, Karolina Czarnowska
2.02. Third EU-China Water Policy Dialogue
The third meeting of the EU-China Water Policy Dialogue Mechanism took place on February 2 at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The China-EU Water Policy Dialogue Mechanism was established in 2017 to implement the outcomes of the China-EU Leaders’ Meeting and to enhance communication, exchange, and cooperation on water policy between China and the EU. The theme of the meeting was “Deepening Cooperation on Water Management and Enhancing Water Resilience.”
Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy, and Li Guoying, Chinese Minister of Water Resources, discussed approaches to addressing the growing water scarcity at the national and global levels through targeted policy measures. Commissioner Roswall presented the EU’s water resilience strategy, which aims to restore and protect the water cycle to ensure access to clean and affordable water and sanitation for all, while building a water-saving economy.
Minister Li emphasized that it is necessary to act in accordance with Xi Jinping’s water resource management philosophy, which calls for “giving priority to water resource protection, sustainable spatial distribution, a systematic approach, and promoting synergy between the government and the market.”
Commissioner Roswall said that global water demand is expected to exceed available resources by 40% by 2030, making water one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying said during the meeting that in the face of climate change, comprehensively increasing water resilience and ensuring water security are urgent challenges for all countries. The Chinese side also presented the positive results achieved in China’s efforts to implement water conservation systems and policies, including improving water use efficiency in agriculture, reducing water consumption and emissions in industry, and reducing water losses in urban areas.
During the conference, representatives from China and Europe gave technical presentations on three key topics: water resource protection and efficient use, digital water resource management, and international water resource management, and announced their intention to continue cooperation on global water challenges.
3.02. European Commission launches detailed investigation into foreign subsidies for Goldwind’s wind energy activities in the EU
The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation into foreign subsidies for the production and sale of wind turbines and related services in the EU by Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd, based in China. The Commission has expressed concerns that Goldwind may have received foreign subsidies that could distort the functioning of the EU internal market. The investigation into Goldwind Technology is the first case in which the EU has launched an in-depth investigation into a single Chinese wind energy company.
The Commission launched the investigation on its own initiative in April 2024. Preliminary findings indicate that these foreign subsidies are likely to include grants, preferential tax measures, and preferential financing in the form of loans. These measures may improve Goldwind’s competitive position in the market and, as a result, negatively affect competition in the supply of wind turbines and related services in the EU.
The Foreign Subsidies Regulation entered into force on July 13, 2023. This regulation enables the Commission to counteract distortions caused by foreign subsidies, thereby allowing the EU to ensure a level playing field for all companies operating in the internal market, while remaining open to trade and investment.
On February 4, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce issued a strong statement on the European Commission’s investigation. He also stated that the investigation overgeneralizes the concept of “foreign subsidies” and is characterized by insufficient evidence and a lack of procedural transparency. The Chinese side also pointed out that this is a typical example of using fair competition as a pretext for protectionism.
The Ministry of Commerce also stated that China consistently advocates resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation and opposes the politicization and excessive protection of trade and economic issues. It also called on the EU to immediately correct its erroneous practices, exercise caution in the use of investigative tools, and create a fair, equitable, and predictable market environment for cooperation between China and the EU.
11.02. Meeting between Wang Yi and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó
On February 11, 2026, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in Budapest. The Hungarian side pointed out that Hungary is the first European country Wang Yi has visited this year, which clearly shows the importance China attaches to cooperation with Hungary. Szijjártó also called Wang Yi a friend and noted that this was their 24th personal meeting in the last eleven and a half years. He also emphasized the importance of the previously signed strategic partnership agreement between the two countries. One of the aims of the visit was to review the results achieved under this partnership.
The visit of the Chinese foreign minister is also important from the point of view of Chinese foreign direct investment. The Hungarian minister pointed that Hungary was the largest beneficiary of Chinese investment, thanks to which modern technologies are also coming to the country, new jobs are being created, and the Hungarian economy is being strengthened. Szijjártó highlighted that Hungary highly values China’s efforts to promote peace, and that both sides are working together to finally restore peace in Ukraine.
The Chinese side stated that both sides should make effective use of mechanisms and platforms such as the Joint Economic Committee and the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Committee, and develop cooperation in new areas such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and new energy sources. It was also pointed out that the Chinese government encourages domestic companies to operate in Hungary, while hoping that the Hungarian side will provide a better business environment and greater political support.
Wang Yi also pointed to China’s relations with the European Union. He stressed that in the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results, proving that China is a partner, not a rival, and an opportunity, not a risk. He also expressed his conviction that, over time, more and more European countries will see China as a trustworthy partner ready for long-term cooperation, and that Hungary will continue to actively promote cooperation between China and the EU.
12.02. Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong on the issue of electric vehicle trade between China and the EU
A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced that China is ready to cooperate with the EU to support an open and stable market environment for the development of the electric car industry on both sides.
This comment was in response to a media inquiry during a press conference regarding the European Commission’s approval of a tariff exemption for Volkswagen SUVs manufactured in China. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has changed its position, accepting the possibility of Chinese car manufacturers independently negotiating with the EU on the import of electric vehicles. Beijing had previously appealed to Brussels not to hold separate talks with Chinese car manufacturers, despite the fact that the EU allows car manufacturers to apply for tariff exemptions for certain models of electric vehicles manufactured in China. For China, the duty exemption mechanism is a better alternative to the multi-tiered tariff structure, first introduced in 2024, which varies significantly depending on the car manufacturer and is valid for five years. The new legal framework actually opens up three options for the car manufacturers concerned: paying the duty, attempting to set a minimum price, or manufacturing in Europe to avoid the duties altogether.
He Yadong also announced that after several rounds of negotiations between China and the EU, both sides had reached an agreement within the framework of World Trade Organization rules. Under the agreement, both China and the EU support Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers in utilizing price commitments, and the EU has published a guidance document following the negotiations and committed to an impartial and non-discriminatory evaluation process. The spokesperson also added that China expects more Chinese companies to reach price agreements with the EU.
It is worth noting that Chinese car manufacturers have significantly increased their presence in Europe, with Chinese brands achieving an 11% share of the European electric vehicle market in 2025.
12.02. MOFCOM regrets the European Union’s decision to request the WTO to establish an expert panel on the licensing of essential patents
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has expressed regret over the European Union’s decision to ask the World Trade Organization to establish a dispute settlement panel in response to Chinese court rulings on standard essential patents. The EU’s decision was announced on February 12 and stems from the fact that, according to the EU, Chinese companies using European technology gain an unfair advantage as their portfolios of standard essential patents may include EU patents without the consent of the patent holders. According to the European Union, these practices are inconsistent with the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, and WTO consultations with China in April 2025 did not produce a solution.
The Chinese side announced that it would duly consider the request in accordance with WTO dispute settlement procedures and defend its rights and interests and emphasized that China has always attached great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights.
13.02. Trilateral Wang–Barrot–Wadephul meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference, held from February 13 to 15, brought together not only representatives of many European countries but also participants from outside the region. These included, above all, the United States, India, China, and even the Philippines. However, it is the representative of China—Foreign Minister Wang Yi—who takes centre stage in this account. During the event, the head of Chinese diplomacy met with numerous ministers in bilateral talks, but for the first time a trilateral meeting took place involving the Chinese foreign minister as well as his counterparts from Germany, Johann Wadephul, and France, Jean-Noël Barrot.
At the outset, Wang outlined the situation in the contemporary world and the changes currently taking place within it. He stated that “world is undergoing the most profound and complex changes since World War II.” In his view, it is therefore necessary to maintain mutual respect, seek common ground while setting aside differences, and promote openness and cooperation so that relations between China and Europe can develop in the right and positive direction—especially at a time of “unilateralism, protectionism and power politics on the rise.” A positive development of relations, he argued, would help ensure greater stability and predictability in the present era.
Expanding on the topic of EU–China relations, the head of Chinese diplomacy emphasized that the last fifty years of bilateral cooperation demonstrate that “China and Europe are partners, not rivals.” Moreover, in his view, “interdependence is not a risk, […] the convergence of interests is not a threat, and that openness and cooperation will not undermine security.” For this reason, Wang expressed hope that Germany and France—recognizing that China’s development represents an opportunity rather than a danger for Europe—would advocate within the European Union to “foster an objective and comprehensive understanding of China, pursue a rational and pragmatic China policy, and stay committed to regarding the China-Europe relationship as a partnership.”
For his part, Wadephul emphasized the need for dialogue and communication with China in the face of global tensions. In his opinion, Germany and France “need dialogue and communication with China more than ever” in order to build mutual trust and dispel misunderstandings. He further noted that Germany attaches great importance to China’s positive role in global affairs and is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Beijing. He also reaffirmed that Germany and France continue to support the One China policy and are therefore ready to develop “long-term, stable relations with China.”
The second European participant pointed to France’s willingness to cooperate with China and Germany in promoting world peace and improving global governance. Barrot argued that given the current “unstable international landscape,” it is necessary to build partnerships between states rather than engage in rivalry, which in turn requires deeper cooperation between France and the countries mentioned. He also stated that France supports the global governance initiative proposed by the President of the People’s Republic of China and expects continued communication and coordination on multilateral international forums.
Finally, the press release by the Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that the participants also exchanged views on “major issues in China-Europe relations and on issues of common concern.” Among these, the “crisis in Ukraine” was mentioned, although no further details were provided.
13.02. Wang–Barrot meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference
After the trilateral meeting, Wang Yi met again with the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, this time in a bilateral format. The meeting was reported by the Chinese news agency Xinhua. According to the report, Wang called on both China and France to make a joint effort to “safeguard the status and role of the United Nations and prevent the world from reverting to the “law of the jungle.” He further noted that the turbulence of the current global situation threatens the development of the multilateral international system, of which China considers itself a strong advocate. Therefore, in his view, “the three major countries should stand together to uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, the true multilateralism and the free trade system, and provide more positive energy to the world.” However, he did not specify which states he meant by the term “three major countries.” It may be assumed that he was referring to China, France, and Germany, in connection with the earlier trilateral meeting. The head of Chinese diplomacy also observed that since the last visit of the French president to China, relations between Beijing and Paris have remained “at a positive and dynamic momentum.” In this context, he argued that cooperation should be expanded in both traditional and new areas. Wang also pointed to the need to address the issue of global governance, more specifically the existing deficit in this field. As a remedy, he proposed stronger coordination between China and France and support for multilateral initiatives undertaken by both sides.
For his part, Barrot stated that President Macron’s visit to China in 2025 contributed to deepening strategic communication and reaching a number of important joint understandings between the two leaders. He also reaffirmed France’s commitment to the One China policy. Moreover, according to the French diplomat, France is ready to cooperate with China and deepen collaboration in many areas, as well as to engage in dialogue and consultations in order to resolve existing disputes.
Finally, the Chinese source reports that the interlocutors also exchanged views on “the crisis in Ukraine” and the Iranian nuclear issue, although these topics were not elaborated upon in detail.
13.02. Wang–Wadephul meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul. The talks were bilateral in nature, similar to his earlier meeting with the representative of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the conversation with Wadephul, Wang called on both China and Germany to “strengthen strategic communication and jointly oppose unilateralism and bloc confrontation.” As in his discussion with Barrot, Wang also emphasized the need to replace the “law of the jungle” with global governance. He further noted that China and Germany should cooperate to bring stability to what he described as the current “turbulent world.” “[…] The existing international order suffering severe setbacks and multilateralism facing serious challenges,” he added in this context. In his view, stronger strategic communication between Beijing and Berlin is therefore necessary in order to counter dangerous trends in contemporary international relations. Wang further stated that China is ready to expand high-level exchanges and to “add new dimensions to the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership.” This, he suggested, could also contribute to improving China–EU relations. He identified economic and trade cooperation as the foundation of China–Germany relations, emphasizing that “China is committed to high-standard opening up, and is ready to foster a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized for German and other foreign enterprises, so that they may share in China’s development opportunities.”
For his part, Wadephul stated that “the steady development of German–Chinese relations could provide much-needed stability for a world that is marked by instability and turbulence.” He also expressed satisfaction with China’s openness to business, noting that Germany “holds high expectations for the Chinese market.” Moreover, representing Berlin’s position, he stated that Germany intends to continue developing economic cooperation with China and opposes “decoupling” policies and protectionism, while emphasizing that fair competition remains the foundation of healthy relations. Like Barrot, Wadephul also assured his Chinese counterpart that Germany remains committed to the One China policy.
A statement by the Chinese news agency Xinhua, from which the above information originates, also reported that Wang and Wadephul discussed “the crisis in Ukraine” as well as “other international and regional issues.” However, in this case as well, no further details were provided.
14.02. Wang–Macinka meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference
Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, met with another European counterpart during the Munich Security Conference. This time it was the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petr Macinka.
According to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting took place on February 14 and the conversation was initiated by Macinka. During the discussion, Wang stated that “China and the Czech Republic enjoy a tradition of friendship,” and noted that 2026 marks the anniversary of the establishment of a strategic partnership between Beijing and Prague ten years ago. The Chinese minister emphasized that China appreciates the efforts and actions of the new Czech government aimed at “the early return of bilateral relations to the track of sound development.” This is particularly significant given the tense relations between Czech President Petr Pavel and the Chinese administration. Wang therefore expressed Beijing’s hope that under these new circumstances “the Czech side will establish a correct perception of China, earnestly abide by the one-China principle, and respect China’s core interests.” Moreover, Wang stated that Beijing hopes to strengthen cooperation and mutual trust to “make up for lost time.”
For his part, Macinka stated (according to the narrative of the Chinese communiqué) that the Czech Republic values its “traditional friendship with China.” He also referred to the One China policy, stating that “the Czech Republic is firmly committed to the One China policy, recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and respects and supports China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Accordingly, the Czech Republic hopes to improve relations with the People’s Republic of China and deepen cooperation in areas such as the economy and trade, tourism, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
The meeting was also reported by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs via a post on the platform X, although it did not provide many details. What is worth noting, however, is that during the conversation Macinka reportedly raised the issue of direct flights from the Czech Republic to Shanghai.
14.02. Wang Yi on EU–PRC relations during the Munich Security Conference
In addition to meetings with his counterparts, during the Munich Security Conference Wang Yi also delivered a speech in which he addressed a number of issues, including the question of China–Europe relations.
At the beginning, he emphasized the civilizational significance of China and Europe and the role of these civilizations in the contemporary world: “Both China and Europe have time-honored civilizations and stand as indispensable poles in this multipolar world,” Wang noted. Therefore, in his view, the decisions and choices made by both China and Europe at this moment are crucial for shaping the future of the world. Wang sees this future in multipolarity and economic globalization. “China and Europe are partners, not rivals. So long as we keep that in mind, we will be able to make the right choices in the face of challenges, prevent the world from slipping into division, and keep moving human civilization forward,” said the Chinese foreign minister. At this point he referred to the European strategy toward China, in which the country is perceived in three ways: first, as a partner in cooperation, second, as an economic competitor, and third, as a systemic rival. At the end of this part of his remarks, Wang highlighted the power of cooperation, in this case between China and Europe, in building a better world.
17.02. The General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces introduces restrictions on Chinese vehicles at military facilities
On February 17, the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces (SGWP) published a statement on its website titled: “New security requirements for vehicles entering protected military facilities.” Reading the details of this statement, one can find that the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces has decided to introduce a ban on mechanical vehicles manufactured in the People’s Republic of China from entering protected military facilities. This decision was supported by the results of a risk analysis related to the growing integration of digital systems in vehicles and the potential possibility of uncontrolled acquisition and use of data by these systems. According to the SGWP statement, the purpose of this step is to strengthen the protection of military infrastructure and reduce potential threats to security. Moreover, in addition to the vehicles themselves, the ban also covers connecting official (service) phones to infotainment systems in vehicles originating from China. The presence of Chinese motor vehicles will be allowed in protected military facilities only if functions related to recording location, images, or sound are disabled, and provided that appropriate preventive measures resulting from the rules for protecting the facility are applied. At the end of the statement, it was noted that these measures are preventive in nature and are consistent with practices used by NATO countries and other allies to ensure the highest standards of protection for defense infrastructure.
24.02. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits China
On February 24, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in China with a large, multi-sector business delegation. It was his first trip to this country as chancellor. During his visit, Merz visited two cities – Beijing and Hangzhou. The trip had five main objectives: a strong and competitive Germany as a prerequisite for a smart policy toward China, a policy of derisking, fair and transparent competition, China as a new power, and a policy toward China embedded in the European context. The chancellor also announced further visits by relevant ministers later in the year. Merz also expressed his satisfaction at leading a high-level business delegation to China during the Chinese New Year of the Horse, stating that this was a clear expression of Germany’s high regard and expectations for the deepening of German-Chinese economic and trade relations.
On February 25, the chancellor met with President Xi Jinping. During the meeting, Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Germany are the second and third largest economies in the world, and their relations have a significant impact on Europe and the whole world, which is particularly important in view of the changes currently taking place in the world.
President Xi Jinping presented three proposals for further developing Sino-German relations. To begin with, he said that the two countries should be reliable partners who support each other and work together to ensure the stable and sustainable development of their bilateral relationship. Secondly, he said that they should be innovative partners who advocate for openness and win-win outcomes. They should strive for greater synergy between development strategies, support the flow of talent, knowledge, and technology, and promote dialogue and cooperation in artificial intelligence and other modern technologies. Furthermore, they should jointly ensure the stability and uninterrupted development of industrial and supply chains. Finally, he said that both countries should be partners who understand each other and are connected by close ties through cultural and people-to-people exchanges. President Xi Jinping also emphasized the importance of China and Germany upholding the central role of the United Nations and working together with the European Union to strengthen China-Europe relations. The two leaders exchanged views on the crisis in Ukraine.
Chancellor Merz also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During their conversation, Li Qiang noted that, thanks to joint efforts, Sino-German relations and cooperation are constantly developing. He added that China is ready to work with Germany to strengthen dialogue and communication, increase mutual political trust, enrich the comprehensive Sino-German strategic partnership, and promote deeper, more practical cooperation between the two countries. This will continuously improve the well-being of both nations. Li Qiang also pointed out that the next five-year plan will bring more opportunities for Sino-German economic and trade cooperation. China is ready to work with Germany to effectively use dialogue mechanisms, such as government consultations, to develop communication, trade, revitalize cooperation in sectors such as automotive and chemicals, as well as other emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and biomedicine. The Premier of the PRC confirmed that China is ready to import more high-quality German products and encourage and support Chinese companies to invest in Germany, and hopes that Germany will provide companies with a fair, stable, and predictable business environment. Both sides should support universities, research institutions, and companies in R&D, technology transfer, knowledge and talent flow, as well as support trade and cooperate to develop China’s relations with the EU.
The German side pointed out that trade between the world’s two largest economies is of great importance, extending beyond the borders of these countries, as exemplified by the Chinese side’s order for an additional 120 Airbus aircraft. Merz emphasized that fair and transparent competition and compliance with the rules are prerequisites for the continued success of bilateral cooperation. The Chancellor also drew attention to the trade imbalance, excess production capacity in China, and restrictions on access and exports. The issue of cooperation for peace was also raised.
During his visit to Hangzhou, Friedrich Merz visited Mercedes-Benz, Unitree, and Siemens Energy. The Chancellor emphasized that each of them is an impressive example of successful cooperation and technological development. During the trip, new business contacts were established, and existing ones were strengthened. Merz said that Germany and China still need to resolve the issue of competition. As a result, he advocated for openly discussing difficult topics during future meetings. The chancellor supported further strengthening relations with China in political talks and economic cooperation. As a result, consultations between the German and Chinese governments are planned for the end of this year or early next year. After the talks, politicians from both sides jointly participated in the signing of cooperation documents in areas such as green transition, customs, sports, and media.
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