Mikołaj Woźniak, Konrad Falkowski
3.09. Kaja Kallas on China at the EUISS 2025 Conference
On September 3, during the annual conference organized by the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), Kaja Kallas – the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – delivered a keynote address. Her speech focused on the dynamic formation of a new international order, the decline of the current one, the main threats facing the European Union, and its geopolitical potential. In this context, Kallas addressed the issue of the People’s Republic of China, stating that China is cooperating with Russia: “China provides Russia with 80% of their dual-use imports. As we know, during war there is no dual-use in war. They are all used for military purposes. This allows the killing to continue in Ukraine.” She went on to emphasize that the narratives emerging from Moscow and Beijing are identical – both seek to revise the prevailing international system. Another issue, according to Kallas, that threatens EU security and is linked to China is the drastic increase in alliances among countries “that see the world in a fundamentally different way to Europe.” At this point, she referred to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s words about “building a new type of international relations.” Kallas pointed out that leaders from over 20 countries attended the meeting, and only a few of them could be considered democratic, based on the Freedom House index. “This is what we’re up against. Whether we like it or not, Europe is engaged in a battle for freedom and democracy,” Kallas concluded, adding that Europe must build its geopolitical strength – based on both military and economic power – in order to participate as an equal player in the ongoing global transformations.
Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, responded to Kallas’s remarks. In his opening statement, he noted that her words were “full of ideological bias without basic historical common sense, and blatantly stoke rivalry and confrontation.” He added that such comments are “very wrongful and irresponsible,” and that China firmly condemns them. Guo then referred to China’s contribution to the victory over fascism in Asia during World War II, before moving on to stress that in today’s turbulent times, the world needs “solidarity and cooperation.” He remarked that Europe, having been the center of World War II, should have “a far deeper understanding of the lessons of history and the importance of unity.” He went on to criticize the Cold War mentality and ideological divisions reflected in some EU leaders’ statements, arguing that such an approach does not serve the Union’s interests. Finally, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson expressed hope that some within the EU would abandon their “prejudice and arrogance” and adopt a rational perspective on both World War II history and China itself, so as to foster not only fruitful cooperation between Beijing and Brussels, but also a foundation for a peaceful and stable world.
5.09. China imposes preliminary tariffs on EU pork
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce published Announcement No. 46/2025 on September 5, 2025, concerning the preliminary results of the anti-dumping investigation into imports of pork and pork products originating from the European Union. The investigation was initiated on June 17, 2024 (Announcement No. 23/2024), under China’s Anti-Dumping Law. The investigation covered fresh, chilled, and frozen pork, as well as various by-products such as liver, tripe, intestines, bladders, and stomachs, along with processed pork products in salted, smoked, or dried form. Based on the preliminary findings, the Chinese authorities determined that EU-origin products had been sold on the Chinese market at dumping prices—i.e., below their normal value—causing significant injury to the domestic pork production sector. They also identified a causal link between the dumping practices and the losses suffered by Chinese producers.
As a result, starting from September 10, 2025, importers bringing in the affected products from the European Union will be required to pay security deposits (customs guarantees) at Chinese customs offices. The amount of the deposit will be calculated as the customs value of the imported goods multiplied by the applicable deposit rate and increased by the import VAT rate. The Ministry of Commerce has allowed interested parties—including exporters, importers, and producers—to submit comments, opinions, and evidence within 10 days from the date of publication of the decision.
9.09. Luis Montenegro in China
On September 9, 2025, the Prime Minister of Portugal paid an official visit to the People’s Republic of China, during which he met with the country’s top leaders: President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. The most significant of these meetings was the one with President Xi. According to the Portuguese government’s statement, Prime Minister Montenegro emphasized that Portugal is “a trustworthy and self-confident country,” recalling the importance of Chinese investments in the Portuguese economy, particularly during difficult times of crisis. Moreover, he stated that both countries can continue to develop bilateral cooperation based on mutual trust, expanding it in areas such as energy, banking, healthcare, and water supply. In the context of international affairs, the Portuguese Prime Minister urged Xi to use China’s close relationship with Russia to work toward “a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.” According to Chinese sources, Montenegro also expressed appreciation for the 25-year success of the governance model in Macao, noting that the Portuguese government had made the right decision in this regard. He reaffirmed that Portugal would continue to adhere to the One China policy and will deepen political trust and economic cooperation with China. It is worth noting that the Chinese statement made no mention whatsoever of discussions regarding the war in Ukraine.
From his side, the leader of the People’s Republic of China emphasized that China and Portugal are nations with rich histories and cultures, whose peoples are characterized by openness, inclusiveness, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. He stated that the two countries had “properly resolved the issue of Macao” through friendly consultations. Xi also highlighted that in recent years, cooperation between China and Portugal has yielded numerous achievements in various fields, serving as a model for countries with different social systems that uphold mutual respect and shared benefits. He added that China is ready to further strengthen strategic communication with Portugal, steer bilateral relations in the right direction, and contribute to the prosperity and development of both countries and the world. Furthermore, the Portuguese communiqué indicated that President Xi referred to Portugal as “a good friend of China” and underscored its unique role on the international stage, recalling his official visit to Portugal in 2018.
Regarding the meeting between Montenegro and Li Qiang, the latter noted that 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Portugal, which opens new opportunities for developing bilateral relations. He expressed China’s readiness to deepen high-level exchanges, enhance political trust, expand cooperation in areas such as the green economy and digital transformation, and support companies from both countries in entering third markets. Li also stressed China’s willingness to increase imports of Portuguese agricultural and food products and to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Portugal.
11.09. Lin Chia-lung in the Czech Republic
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung embarked on a European tour, visiting three specific countries between September 11 and 20. The first stop on Minister Lin’s trip was the Czech Republic, where he attended the opening ceremony of a special exhibition of collections from Taiwan’s National Palace Museum held in Prague. The event was attended by figures from the cultural and political spheres, highlighting the importance of Taiwan–Czech relations in the fields of heritage and art.
The minister also visited the Advanced Chip Design and Research Center (ACDRC) in Brno, established under the Taiwan–Czech Resilience Project, where he met with scientists and technology industry leaders, including Prof. Radek Holý. The discussions emphasized the significance of joint research on artificial intelligence and Taiwan’s role as a partner in developing cutting-edge technologies. Lin also met with representatives of Taiwanese companies Inventec and Wistron, which play an important role in the Czech economy by employing local workers and supporting knowledge transfer.
12.09. Wang Yi in Austria
The first stop on the European tour of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, was Austria. On September 12, 2025, the Chinese Foreign Minister began his visit in Vienna, where he met with Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The meeting opened a series of discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, developing economic cooperation, and deepening scientific and cultural ties.
Minister Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that China remains one of Austria’s most important trade and investment partners and a key export market for Austrian companies. Both sides highlighted the need to maintain stable channels of economic cooperation in the face of global challenges such as supply chain disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions. The talks also addressed the situation in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and efforts to combat climate change.
Later during the visit, Wang Yi was received by Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. Their conversation covered current geopolitical challenges and the necessity of enhancing international cooperation in response to global crises. Both sides agreed on the importance of multilateralism as a foundation for effectively addressing transnational issues, including climate change and energy security.
14.09. Wang Yi in Slovenia
The next stop on Wang Yi’s European tour was Slovenia. The Chinese Foreign Minister held a series of meetings with the country’s top officials — Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, President Nataša Pirc Musar, Prime Minister Robert Golob, and President of the National Council Marko Lotrič. This was the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Slovenia since 2019, which, as Fajon emphasized, represents an important signal of the renewal of political dialogue between Ljubljana and Beijing.
During talks with Tanja Fajon, the discussion focused on the development of bilateral relations, particularly economic cooperation. The minister noted that since 2019, the value of trade between China and Slovenia has increased from €1.3 billion to €7.3 billion, with China becoming Slovenia’s fifth most important trading partner. She also highlighted the need for a more balanced trade structure and the importance of ensuring stable supplies of rare earth metals, which are crucial for Slovenia’s technology industry.
Wang Yi was later received by President Nataša Pirc Musar. Their conversation focused primarily on the current challenges facing the international community, including global security and the need to address climate change. Both sides emphasized the importance of diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, while President Pirc Musar stressed that respect for the United Nations Charter and international law is the foundation of global stability and order.
Later in his visit, the Chinese minister met with Prime Minister Robert Golob. The meeting began with a one-on-one discussion, followed by consultations between the two delegations. The talks confirmed a convergence of views on many international issues, including the need for a ceasefire and efforts toward lasting peace in Ukraine and Palestine. Prime Minister Golob underlined the importance of further developing economic and technological cooperation, which, he noted, serves the interests of both countries.
The final stage on the agenda was a meeting with Marko Lotrič, President of the National Council, and representatives of various political groups. Wang Yi presented the directions of China’s foreign policy, and its philosophy of cooperation based on dialogue, partnership, and mutual respect.
15.09. Wang Yi in Poland
The final stop of Wang Yi’s European tour was Poland. On September 15, 2025, the Chinese Foreign Minister met in Helenów with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski for the 4th session of the Poland–China Intergovernmental Committee — one of the main mechanisms of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. It was the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Poland in six years, lending the talks special political significance.
The discussions focused on bilateral relations, economic issues, and cooperation within international forums. Both ministers welcomed the signing of an agreement enabling the resumption of Polish poultry exports to the Chinese market. They also discussed further development of trade, investment, and cooperation in the fields of technology, electromobility, and transport. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Action Plan for Strengthening the Strategic Partnership for 2024–2027.
A key topic of the talks was the war in Ukraine. Minister Sikorski emphasized the importance of respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and drew attention to Russia’s destabilizing actions, including violations of Polish airspace. Wang Yi responded that escalation of the conflict was in no one’s interest and declared China’s readiness to support peace initiatives. Both ministers also expressed hope for an improvement in the situation along the Polish–Belarusian border.
As part of the Intergovernmental Committee framework, the two sides agreed to continue regular political consultations, develop economic cooperation, and promote people-to-people, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Wang Yi invited Radosław Sikorski to visit China, and the next session of the Committee is scheduled to take place in Beijing in 2027.
During his visit, the Chinese minister was also received by the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki. The talks at the Presidential Palace focused on bilateral cooperation, European security, and the situation in Ukraine and Central Europe, particularly in relation to Belarus. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and expressed their willingness to maintain dialogue in a spirit of mutual respect and pragmatic cooperation. Wang Yi conveyed greetings from President Xi and emphasized that Poland is an important partner for China in Europe. In response, President Nawrocki expressed appreciation for China’s achievements and readiness to further develop friendly relations and cooperation in the name of peace and international stability.
17.09. Lin Chia-lung in Italy
Another stop on the Taiwanese foreign minister’s European tour was Rome, where Minister Lin attended a concert and reception organized for the Taiwanese performing arts group U-Theatre, as part of the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 program. The event highlighted the importance of cultural exchange as a means of fostering mutual understanding between Taiwan and Europe.
The minister also took part in the opening ceremony of the newly renovated Taiwan Representative Office in Italy, which aims to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, culture, and education. In his speech, he emphasized that Taiwan and Italy share a commitment to democracy, freedom, and creativity, and that bilateral relations are developing dynamically in the spirit of shared values.
During his stay, Lin also visited the Vatican, where he donated €100,000 to the Scalabrini Order, which supports refugees and migrants. The gesture was intended to symbolize Taiwan’s solidarity with the humanitarian initiatives carried out by the Holy See.
19.09. Lin Chia-lung in Austria
The final stop of Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s European tour was Austria, where he attended the concert “When East Meets West,” promoting Taiwanese culture in Central Europe. In Vienna, he met with members of parliament and representatives of associations supporting relations with Taiwan, with whom he discussed opportunities for further cooperation in the fields of economy, technology, and academic exchange. The discussions particularly emphasized the importance of the ICT sector and precision engineering, in which Austria and Taiwan can complement each other’s strengths. Minister Lin highlighted the need to intensify parliamentary visits and economic initiatives that would further strengthen relations between the two countries.
30.09. Former AfD politician’s assistant convicted of espionage
In April 2024, German media reported the arrest of Jian Guo, who between 2019 and 2024 served as an assistant to one of the leading politicians of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Maximilian Krah (as previously covered in the April 2024 issue of the Review). On September 30, 2025, a court in Dresden sentenced Guo to four years and nine months in prison for acting as an agent for Chinese intelligence. Prosecutors alleged that Guo had been secretly employed by a Chinese intelligence agency and had passed on information about European Parliament negotiations and decisions. He also collected personal data on AfD leaders and spied on Chinese opposition activists and dissidents. Moreover, he gathered information on military transports departing from Leipzig/Halle Airport and on individuals working in the defense industry. In these activities, Guo collaborated with Yaqi X., a woman employed by a logistics company at the airport, who was also convicted and received a suspended prison sentence of just under two years, with a three-year probation period.
The Chinese authorities did not comment on Guo’s conviction and did not respond to Reuters’ request for a statement. Meanwhile, Maximilian Krah continues to maintain that he had no knowledge of Guo’s activities, calling the accusations of pro-Chinese lobbying against him “slanderous.”
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