Watching China in Europe - August 2026
The CEO of VW has called on the EU to take tougher trade measures against China - a sign that the economics of EU-China relations have reached a tipping point. But the politics is about to get messy.
Watching China in Europe
Inside the European policy debate on China
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Watching China in Europe - July 2026
Berlin remains wary of a trade conflict with China. But mounting job losses at home and growing momentum in Brussels for a more robust policy response may make it inevitable.
Germany is wavering on China (again)
The German government is reluctant to support tougher EU trade measures against China. Instead, it would like Brussels to develop new instruments. That could take years.
Watching China in Europe - June 2026
All eyes are on Friedrich Merz as Europe debates whether to ratchet up trade measures against China. His government remains deeply divided. In other European capitals, the readiness to act is growing.
What Xi-Trump means for Europe
The worst-case scenarios didn't materialize. But the shifting US-China power balance that was on stark display in Beijing confronts Europe with tough choices.
Watching China in Europe - May 2026
The EU plans to ask European leaders next month for a green light to pursue far-reaching trade measures against China. It will be a test of EU unity and resolve in the face of a deepening China shock.
China's best friend in Europe
Viktor Orbán may soon be gone. But unraveling his "all-weather" partnership with Beijing won't be easy.
Watching China in Europe - April 2026
Trump's war with Iran has been a gift to China. European countries are surveying the damage - and scrambling to avoid a two-front conflict with Washington and Beijing.
Watching China in Europe – March 2026
Deconstructing the Merz trip to China - the good, the bad and the ugly
China floats FTA ahead of Merz visit
Berlin sees ploy to keep EU market open to Chinese goods