As the world’s second largest economy and with an ever-expanding domestic market, including a growing wealthy middle-class with a taste for high-quality products with foreign labels, China is an opportunity European businesses and investors cannot afford to ignore… But it’s a difficult market to access! And not a very fair nor transparent one… So, what is the EU doing to achieve a real level playing field for EU investors in China?

EPRS policy podcast - EU - China: International Agreements in Progress

Interview with Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, EP President 2004 - 2007

The story of the EP by its Presidents: Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, EP President 2004 - 2007 - 17. China

The EU and China are two of the biggest traders in the world, with China being the EU's second trading partner.&nbsp; The EU-China Human Rights Dialogue was launched in 1995.&nbsp;Parliament strongly condemns the Chinese government-led system of forced labour – in particular the exploitation of Uyghur, ethnic Kazakh and Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minority groups – in factories within and outside internment camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Over the past year, EU-China bilateral relations have deteriorated, notably related to a growing number of irritants (i.e., China’s counter-measures to EU sanctions on human rights, economic coercion and trade measures against the single market, and China’s positioning on the war in Ukraine).

During his recent visit to China, Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis told his counterparts that “competition must be fair” and urged Beijing to address the lack of reciprocity in economic relations, as the EU’s trade deficit with China in 2022 reached almost 400 billion euro. Mr Dombrovskis said that the EU and China are at a significant political and economic crossroads, and warned that China’s stance on the war in Ukraine could jeopardise its relationship with the EU.

His visit came after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced during her State of the European Union address that the Commission would launch a probe into whether China's electric vehicle industry is receiving unfair subsidies

EU - China

On 1 and 2 October, EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss foreign affairs, in particular relations with Turkey and the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The leaders are also expected to address relations with China, the situation in Belarus and the poisoning of Alexei Navalny. The single market, industrial policy and digital transformation are also on the agenda

The summit, initially planned for 24 and 25 September, has been postponed as President Michel is in quarantine.

Special European Council, 1-2 October 2020

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. 

In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. They also opposed China’s constant distortion of UN Resolution 2758 by demanding that Taiwanese passport holders, including journalists, NGO workers and political activists be barred from accessing tours and events in the UN. Resolution 2758 was adopted by the 26th U.N. General Assembly in 1971 to address the issue of China's representation at the UN.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

EP Plenary session - People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

Delegations for relations with the People’s Republic of China Constitutive meeting

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 144)

EP Plenary session - EU-China relations

EP Plenary session - Question time with Commission - EU-China trade relations

EP Plenary session - The need for a coherent strategy for EU-China Relations

SEDE Subcommittee Hearing on ' rowing military cooperation between Russia and China '

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - Chinese government crackdown on the peaceful protests across the People's Republic of China

- Question Time to Commission - Protection of critical infrastructure from China's interference

EP Plenary session- Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - The arrest of Cardinal Zen and the trustees of the 612 relief fund in Hong Kong

EP Plenary session  - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

EP Plenary session - Outcome of the EU-China Summit (1 April 2022)

EP Plenary session - A new EU-China strategy

EP Online Press Seminar - What kind of Biodiversity we want for the future? A journey to COP China

EP Plenary session - Chinese countersanctions on EU entities and MEPs and MPs

David SASSOLI, EP President meets with MEPS blacklisted by China in response to Brussels' sanctions on alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang region

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. Closing statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan: closing statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. They also opposed China’s constant distortion of UN Resolution 2758 by demanding that Taiwanese passport holders, including journalists, NGO workers and political activists be barred from accessing tours and events in the UN.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan: MEPs debate

The Parliament discusses China’s military provocations close to Taiwan, and vote on a resolution. China’s military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years. MEPs criticise the recent manoeuvres in the Taiwan Strait and express their solidarity with Taiwan as a regular victim of foreign information manipulation and interference by China. In a resolution adopted in December 2023, MEPs said the EU’s ‘One China policy’ has not changed and that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, is not acceptable. Opening statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan: opening statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights

MEPs vote on the following topics: Effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia - Motions for resolutions; Settlement discipline, cross-border provision of services, supervisory cooperation, provision of banking-type ancillary services and requirements for third-country central securities depositories; European environmental economic accounts: new modules; Conservation and enforcement measures applicable in the Regulatory Area of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO); Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE); EU/Madagascar Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and Implementing Protocol (2023-2027); Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7); System of own resources of the European Union; and strengthening the right to participate: legitimacy and resilience of electoral processes in illiberal political systems and authoritarian regimes.

Voting session, including the motion for resolution on the Effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia

MEPs vote on the following topics: Election of a Quaestor of the European Parliament (to replace Monika Beňová); Request for defence of the privileges and immunities of Stefano Maullu; Request for the waiver of the immunity of Patryk Jaki; Request for the waiver of the immunity of Beata Kempa; Request for the waiver of the immunity of Beata Mazurek; Request for the waiver of the immunity of Tomasz Piotr Poręba; Nomination of a member of the Court of Auditors (Tony Murphy); Nomination of a member of the Court of Auditors (Bettina Michelle Jakobse); Nomination of a member of the Court of Auditors (Alejandro Blanco Fernández); Data act; Amending certain Regulations as regards the establishment and functioning of the European single access point (ESAP); Access to information in relation to financial services, capital markets and sustainability of ESAP; Amending certain Directives as regards the establishment and functioning of the ESAP.

Voting session, including the Election of a Quaestor of the European Parliament (to replace Monika Beňová)

MEPs question the Commission about trade relations with China, following President von der Leyen's announcement during her State of the European Union that the Commission would launch an investigation into whether the Chinese electric vehicle industry receives unfair subsidies. Questions and answers (part 2)

EU-China trade relations: Questions and answers (part 2)

MEPs question the Commission about trade relations with China, following President von der Leyen's announcement during her State of the European Union that the Commission would launch an investigation into whether the Chinese electric vehicle industry receives unfair subsidies. Questions and answers (part 1).

EU-China trade relations: Questions and answers (part 1)

Parliament holds urgent debates on a series of relevant topics: human rights, democracy and rule of law. Deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai. Closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy.

Deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai: closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy

Parliament discusses the European Union’s response to the growing global challenges stemming from a more repressive and assertive China. Third part of the MEPs debate.

The need for a coherent strategy for EU-China Relations: MEPs debate (part 3)

Parliament discusses the European Union’s response to the growing global challenges stemming from a more repressive and assertive China. MEPs debate (part 2)

The need for a coherent strategy for EU-China Relations: MEPs debate (part 2)

Parliament discusses the European Union’s response to the growing global challenges stemming from a more repressive and assertive China. First part of MEPs debate.

The need for a coherent strategy for EU-China Relations: MEPs debate (part 1)

Parliament discusses the European Union’s response to the growing global challenges stemming from a more repressive and assertive China.One round of political group leaders.

The need for a coherent strategy for EU-China Relations: one round political group leaders

Parliament discusses the European Union’s response to the growing global challenges stemming from a more repressive and assertive China. opening statements by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission and by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The need for a coherent strategy for EU-China Relations: opening statements by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission and by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Parliament discusses the European Union’s response to the growing global challenges stemming from a more repressive and assertive China. Against the backdrop of China’s continued rise as a political and economic powerhouse on the world stage, the plenary debate zooms in on a broad range of issues linked to the EU’s relationship with Beijing. Extracts from the debate where MEPs focus on the recent sanctions from China towards members, the situation in Taiwan and the working condiitons of the Uyghurs. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

The need for a coherent strategy for EU-China Relations: extracts from the debate

EPRS identifies and frames some of the top key issues that might feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union this year. In times of crises and war, what are the challenges we must face and choices we have to make? Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Geo-economics in an age of empires

MEPs vote on the following topics: Chinese government crackdown on the peaceful protests across the People's Republic of China - motions for resolutions; Military Junta crackdown on peaceful demonstrations in Chad - motions for resolutions; The case of human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja in Bahrain - motions for resolutions; Suspicions of corruption from Qatar and the broader need for transparency and accountability in the European institutions; 90 years after Holodomor: Recognising the mass killing through starvation as genocide - motions for resolutions; Upscaling the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework: a resilient EU budget fit for new challenges - Jan OLBRYCHT (EPP, PL) and Margarida MARQUES (S&D, PT); Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2021 - Loránt VINCZE (EPP, RO).

Voting session, including the suspicions of corruption from Qatar and the broader need for transparency and accountability in the European institutions

Question Time to Commission - Protection of critical infrastructure from China's interference. Questions and answers with Margrethe VESTAGER, Vice-President of the European Commission (part 2).

Question Time to Commission - Protection of critical infrastructure from China's interference: questions and answers with Margrethe VESTAGER, Vice-President of the European Commission (part 2)

Question Time to Commission - Protection of critical infrastructure from China's interference. Questions and answers (part 1) with Margrethe VESTAGER, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.

Question Time to Commission - Protection of critical infrastructure from China's interference: questions and answers with Margrethe VESTAGER, Vice-President of the European Commission (part 1)

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