Podcasts about china eu

Vice-Premier He Lifeng held a video call with United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Thursday, with both sides pledging to strengthen communication and promote stable economic and trade ties.国务院副总理何立峰7月30日与美国财政部长斯科特·贝森特、美国贸易代表贾米森·格里尔举行视频通话，双方均表示将加强沟通，促进经贸关系稳定发展。He, the Chinese lead person for China-US economic and trade affairs, and the US side held candid, in-depth and constructive discussions on implementing the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state at their meeting in May in Beijing. They also exchanged views on maintaining stable bilateral economic and trade relations, expanding practical cooperation and properly addressing each other's concerns.作为中美经贸事务中方牵头人，何立峰与美方就落实两国元首5月在北京会晤达成的重要共识进行了坦诚、深入、建设性的讨论。双方还就维护稳定的双边经贸关系、扩大务实合作、妥善解决彼此关切交换了意见。During the talks, the Chinese side expressed serious concerns over the recent US restrictive economic and trade measures against China.会谈中，中方就近期美方对华限制性经贸措施表达了严肃关切。Both sides agreed to further make good use of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, enhance communication, build mutual trust, clear up misunderstandings, expand practical cooperation, and promote the steady and sound development of bilateral economic and trade relations.双方同意在两国元首的战略引领下，进一步用好中美经贸磋商机制，加强沟通、增进互信、消除误解、扩大务实合作，推动双边经贸关系健康稳定发展。Also on Thursday, the Ministry of Commerce said that China has been actively implementing the consensus reached at the inaugural meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism, and stepping up preparations for its second meeting this autumn.同日，商务部表示，中方一直在积极落实中欧贸易投资磋商机制首次会议达成的共识，并加紧筹备今年秋季举行的第二次会议。He Yadong, a spokesman for the ministry, said China is ready to work with the European Union to explore practical and feasible solutions to each other's economic and trade concerns.商务部发言人何亚东表示，中方愿与欧盟一道，探讨解决彼此经贸关切实实在在的可行方案。The two sides held the inaugural meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism last month, during which they agreed that China and the EU are each other's stable and balanced key trading partners. They also tentatively agreed to hold the mechanism's second meeting this autumn.双方上月举行了中欧贸易投资磋商机制首次会议，期间一致认为，中欧互为稳定且平衡的重要贸易伙伴。双方还初步商定于今年秋季举行该机制的第二次会议。treasury secretary /ˈtreʒəri ˈsekrətəri/财政部长trade representative /treɪd ˌreprɪˈzentətɪv/贸易代表lead person /liːd ˈpɜːsən/牵头人candid /ˈkændɪd/坦诚的in-depth /ɪn ˈdepθ/深入的

After years of stalled China–EU trade talks, the two sides have launched a new Trade and Investment Consultation Mechanism, holding its first high-level meeting and, notably, issuing a joint statement, the first of its kind since 2019. So is this the beginning of a more stabilized China–EU economic framework, or the embedding of a managed trade confrontation? Host Ge Anna is joined by Liang Linlin, Director of Communication and Research of China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union; Hussein Askary, Vice-President of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden; Dr. George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Programmes and Senior Research Fellow, at European Institute of Nice.

China and the European Union have agreed to hold one or two ministerial-level meetings each year under the newly established China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism, a move that market watchers said would help stabilize bilateral economic relations and contribute to global stability.中欧双方商定，依托新设立的中欧贸易投资磋商机制，每年举办一至两次部长级会议。市场观察人士表示，此举有助于稳定双边经贸关系，助力全球经济稳定。Addressing a news conference on Thursday, He Yadong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, said that Beijing has invited European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Maros Sefcovic to visit China this autumn for the second meeting under the mechanism.商务部发言人何亚东周四在记者会上表示，中方已邀请欧盟负责贸易、经济安全、机构间关系与透明度事务的委员马罗什·谢夫乔维奇于今年秋季访华，出席该机制第二次会议。During the inaugural meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, earlier this week, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and the green transition, tap the potential of trade in services and address trade concerns through market access consultations, he said. The two sides also agreed on a new positioning for China-EU economic and trade relations, viewing each other as stable and balanced key trading partners, the spokesman said.他介绍，本周早些时候在比利时布鲁塞尔举办的机制首次会议上，双方同意深化人工智能、绿色转型等新兴领域合作，挖掘服务贸易潜力，并通过市场准入磋商化解贸易关切。双方还敲定中欧经贸关系新定位，认定彼此是稳定、均衡的核心贸易伙伴。He added that the new mechanism is expected to improve business confidence on both sides, as well as inject greater certainty and positive momentum into Chinese, European and global economies.何亚东补充，这一新机制有望提振双方企业信心，为中国、欧洲乃至全球经济注入更强确定性与积极动能。Zhao Chen, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of European Studies, said the inaugural meeting delivered a constructive start, indicating that both sides should remain committed to dialogue and avoid confrontation.中国社会科学院欧洲研究所研究员赵晨表示，本次首次会议开了建设性的好头，说明双方应当坚持对话，摒弃对抗。Deep-rooted trade issues are unlikely to be resolved quickly, with frictions and negotiations expected to coexist as both sides gradually narrow their differences through sustained dialogue, Zhao said.赵晨称，根深蒂固的贸易矛盾难以一蹴而就，摩擦与磋商或将长期并存，双方需通过持续对话逐步缩小分歧。He Weiwen, a senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization in Beijing, said that while making joint efforts to stabilize the current bilateral business relationship, China and the EU should also explore new areas of cooperation to advance mutual benefit.北京全球化智库高级研究员何伟文提出，中欧在携手稳定现有双边经贸往来的同时，还应开拓全新合作领域，实现互利共赢。"The world is entering a historic period of the fourth industrial revolution, marked by AI, big data, quantum computing and the green transition, all of which promise profound impacts on future generations," he said.他表示：“全球正迈入第四次工业革命的历史性阶段，人工智能、大数据、量子计算、绿色转型是时代标志，这些领域都将对后世产生深远影响。”China and the EU are each other's second-largest trading partners, with highly complementary economies and deeply integrated industrial and supply chains. Together, they account for over one-third of global GDP.中欧互为对方第二大贸易伙伴，双方经济互补性极强，产业链、供应链深度融合，经济体量合计占全球国内生产总值三分之一以上。At Thursday's news briefing, He, the ministry's spokesman, also provided updates on the latest economic and trade consultations between China and the United States. He said the two countries have set guiding objectives for expanding two-way agricultural trade and agreed in principle to include relevant agricultural products under a reciprocal tariff reduction framework.在周四的发布会上，商务部发言人何亚东还通报了中美经贸磋商最新进展。他表示，两国已确立扩大双边农产品贸易的指导性目标，原则同意将相关农产品纳入对等降税框架。Companies will make trading decisions based on market principles, actual demand and market conditions, he said, adding that China is willing to work with the US to create favorable conditions for expanding two-way agricultural trade.他指出，企业将依据市场规律、实际需求与行情自主开展贸易，中方愿同美方共同营造有利环境，扩大双边农产品贸易规模。Jim Sutter, CEO of the US Soybean Export Council, called the recent announcement related to tariff reductions a positive signal, and said that the US soybean industry looks forward to seeing those commitments translated into concrete policy measures.美国大豆出口协会首席执行官吉姆·萨特称，近期有关降税的消息释放积极信号，美国大豆行业期待相关承诺落地为具体政策举措。"Stability in the bilateral trade environment benefits both sides, and we are confident in the long-term direction," he said.他表示：“稳定的双边贸易环境惠及双方，我们对长期发展前景抱有信心。”consultation /ˌkɒnslˈteɪʃn/磋商；协商；咨询inaugural /ɪˈnɔːɡjərəl/首次的；开幕的；创始的complementary /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/互补的；相辅相成的reciprocal /rɪˈsɪprəkl/对等的；互惠的；相互的tariff /ˈtærɪf/关税；关税税率momentum /məˈmentəm/动能；发展势头；推动力

China and the EU have agreed to hold regular ministerial trade talks and deepen cooperation in emerging sectors like AI and green transition while addressing market access issues through dialogue.

The launch of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism is expected to provide a regular platform for dialogue to address bilateral economic differences, said market watchers and business leaders.市场观察人士与企业负责人表示，中欧经贸投资磋商机制的设立，有望搭建常态化对话平台，化解双边经贸分歧。While trade frictions between China and the European Union may persist in the near term, the new mechanism could help prevent disputes from escalating and keep bilateral economic relations on a more predictable track, they added.他们补充称，短期内中欧贸易摩擦或将持续，但这一新机制能够避免争端升级，让双边经贸关系发展更具可预期性。According to a joint statement issued on Tuesday, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Maros Sefcovic identified four initial work streams during the inaugural meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism in Brussels on Monday.周二发布的联合声明显示，周一在布鲁塞尔举行的中欧经贸投资磋商机制首次会议上，中国商务部部长王文涛与欧盟贸易、经济安全、机构间关系及透明度专员马罗什・谢夫乔维奇确定了四项首批工作议题。The work streams cover trade and investment balancing, export controls, intellectual property rights and World Trade Organization reform, the statement said.声明指出，相关议题涵盖贸易投资平衡、出口管制、知识产权以及世界贸易组织改革四大领域。Zhao Yongsheng, a professor of European studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that the mechanism comes at a time when both sides continue to face structural differences over trade and industrial policies.对外经济贸易大学欧洲问题研究教授赵永升表示，当前中欧双方在贸易、产业政策方面仍存在结构性分歧，该机制的设立恰逢其时。Huang Yiping, dean of Peking University's National School of Development, said those differences reflect broader questions about whether traditional industrial powers can adapt as China's competitiveness expands into sectors long regarded as their technological strongholds.北京大学国家发展研究院院长黄益平表示，这些分歧背后是一个更深层次的问题：随着中国竞争力不断延伸至传统工业强国长期占据技术优势的领域，后者能否适应这一变化。"Those structural differences are unlikely to disappear, but dialogue can keep competition manageable and preserve space for cooperation where interests continue to overlap," he said.他说：“这类结构性分歧难以彻底消除，但对话能够管控竞争，并在双方利益契合的领域保留合作空间。”Business leaders noted that China and the EU remain important trading partners, as robust trade flows continue to demonstrate the resilience of bilateral economic ties.企业界人士指出，中欧互为重要贸易伙伴，旺盛的贸易往来充分体现双边经贸关系具备强大韧性。According to data from the General Administration of Customs, the value of China-EU trade increased 10.3 percent year-on-year to 2.53 trillion yuan ($373 billion) in the first five months of this year, while China's imports from the EU grew 5.2 percent.海关总署数据显示，今年前五个月，中欧贸易额达 2.53 万亿元人民币（折合 3730 亿美元），同比增长 10.3%，其中中国自欧盟进口同比增长 5.2%。Speaking at a monthly news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Wang Yifei, a spokeswoman for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said Chinese businesses hope that China and the EU will resolve trade issues through dialogue, while ensuring a fair, transparent and nondiscriminatory business environment.周二，中国贸促会新闻发言人王叶菲在北京月度例行发布会上表示，中国企业希望中欧通过对话解决贸易分歧，共同营造公平、透明、非歧视的营商环境。For businesses in the EU, maintaining communications has become more important than ever because both economies remain deeply intertwined, especially in the manufacturing, investment and technology sectors.对欧盟企业而言，保持沟通比以往任何时候都更为关键，中欧两大经济体深度交融，制造业、投资、科技领域联系尤为紧密。Speaking to China Daily during a recent interview, Michael Schumann, chairman of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, said: "Europe cannot be (economically) independent from the United States, and it cannot be independent from China. Our economies, technologies, supply chains and security structures are far too deeply interconnected."德国联邦经济发展和对外贸易协会主席米夏埃尔・舒曼近日接受《中国日报》采访时表示：“欧洲经济既无法脱离美国，也离不开中国。双方的经济、技术、供应链与安全体系深度交织，密不可分。”Businesses can translate political consensus into practical cooperation through investment, trade and industrial partnerships, he added.他补充道，企业可通过投资、贸易、产业合作，将双方达成的政治共识转化为实实在在的合作成果。Christophe Lauras, president of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, said that France and China have a highly complementary relationship in sectors such as aerospace, advanced engineering, luxury goods, agriculture, energy transition and healthcare.法国工商会中国区主席克里斯托夫・洛拉斯表示，中法在航空航天、高端工程、奢侈品、农业、能源转型、医疗健康等领域互补性极强。"Many French companies plan to establish research and development centers in China, while Chinese companies are expanding globally by strengthening their presence in France. The next stage requires deeper integration to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation," Lauras said.洛拉斯称：“不少法国企业计划在华设立研发中心，同时中国企业也通过深耕法国市场拓展全球布局。下一阶段，双方需要深化产业融合，实现互利共赢。”The commitment is also reflected in fresh investment. German chemical manufacturer Covestro announced on Tuesday that it will build a new production line for methylene diphenyl diisocyanate at its integrated site in Shanghai, with an annual capacity of 660,000 metric tons. Operations are expected to begin around 2030. MDI is a synthetic chemical used primarily to manufacture polyurethane foams and coatings.双方的合作诚意也体现在新增投资项目上。德国化工企业科思创周二宣布，将在上海一体化生产基地新建一条二苯基甲烷二异氰酸酯生产线，年产能 66 万吨，预计 2030 年前后投产。二苯基甲烷二异氰酸酯是一种合成化工原料，主要用于生产聚氨酯泡沫与涂料。Holly Lei, president of Covestro China, said the move underscores the company's long-term commitment to China and leverages the country's integrated industrial ecosystem, innovation capabilities and talent base to strengthen MDI supply for customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region.科思创中国区总裁雷焕丽表示，该项目彰显企业深耕中国市场的长期决心，依托中国完备的产业生态、创新实力与人才储备，为中国及亚太客户稳定供应二苯基甲烷二异氰酸酯产品。consultation /ˌkɒnslˈteɪʃn/n. 磋商；协商bilateral /ˌbaɪˈlætərəl/adj. 双边的complementary /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/adj. 互补的resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/n. 韧性；恢复力

① China and the EU launch trade and investment consultation mechanism. What is the key focus? (00:44) ② How is the CPC's institutional system guiding the country's growth? (14:04) ③ China's outbound investment regulation will take effect on July 1. How can the country balance openness and security? (24:46) ④ How is the Middle East conflict hitting Americans' finances and travel plans? (35:10) ⑤ What is behind South Korea's massive AI and chip investment drive? (43:04)

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and his Chinese counterpart are meeting in Brussels as Europe prepares countermeasures to battle a flood of cheap imports. Also, oil prices climb after a weekend of renewed strikes between the US and Iran, and South Korea unveils a massive new investment in chip production.  

Audio is licensed by Shutterstock. Track 1219389 Monetization ID TFGEPGEI0LHEIJAI ---- Kia ora. Welcome to Friday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz. Today we lead with news financial markets may be moving on from the US-Iran deal, but commodity markets are noting that Iran will now have the opportunity to charge for transit ('fees' but no 'tolls') after a key US concession. The MOUis signed. In the US, jobless claims dipped slightly last week to 219,500 but at about the rate expected as what seasonal factors would have indicated. There are now just under 1.7 people on these benefits, marginally less than a year ago. The Philly Fed factory survey recovered in June after the poor report for May, but only to a level below its 2026 average. These firms said prices paid moved up while the prices they got for their goods dipped. Meanwhile the US Conference Board's leading index rose marginally in May, and this metric suggests its may be coming to the end of its long term down trend that started in 2022. In Canada, producer prices were up +13.6% in May from a year earlier with +1.2% of that coming in the latest month. Of course, most of this was energy related. In fact raw materials costs were up +33% from a year ago within the overall result. There was a lot of central bank action overnight, all timed to follow the US Fed. Taiwan held its policy rate unchanged at 2.0% as expected. Indonesia hike again, up +25 bps to 5.75% quickly following last week's out-of-cycle emergency hike to support their currency. The central Bank of England held unchanged at 2.75% (with two of their nine members wanting a hike). The Swiss central bank held at 0%. The Norwegian central bank held at 4.25%. And the Swedish central bank held at 1.75% a day ago. All these came after last week's +25 bps rise by the ECB. Global container freight rates surged another +12% last week to be +21% higher than this time last year. There were increases in all major trades but the China-EU trade got the biggest hit. Meanwhile, bulk cargo rates fell -8% over the past week to be +36% higher than year ago levels. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.44%, down -2 bps from this time yesterday. The price of gold has retreated another -US$44 from yesterday to US$4229/oz. Silver is down another -US$2 at US$66/oz. Oil prices are down -US$1 from yesterday at just under US$75.50/bbl in the US, while the international Brent price is now just over US$78.50/bbl and down -50 USc. Hormuz transits are picking up with 13 crude or product tankers exiting over the past 24 hours and 13 entering for new loads. (Normal is 60 in each direction.) The Kiwi dollar is down -60 bps from this time yesterday at just on 57.6 USc. Against the Aussie we are down -30 bps at 82.0 AUc. Against the euro we are unchanged at just under 50.2 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at just over 61.3 which is down -50 bps from yesterday. The bitcoin price starts today at US$62,623 and down -5.1% from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been high at just under +/- 3.0%. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again on Monday.   Audio soundtrack opening is licensed from Shutterstock, Track 1219389 Monetization ID TFGEPGEI0LHEIJAI

Alice Han and James Kynge break down Huawei's bold new strategy to challenge Nvidia and the future of AI chips. They explore the rise of Huawei's influential "chip queen" He Tingbo, the company's attempt to move beyond Moore's Law, and what it could mean for the global semiconductor race. Then, tensions between China and Europe are heating up. With record trade deficits, growing concerns over Chinese imports, and new efforts to protect European industries, Alice and James examine whether a full-scale China-EU trade war is beginning to take shape. Finally, Hong Kong has officially overtaken Switzerland as the world's largest offshore wealth hub. They discuss what's driving the surge in cross-border wealth flowing through Hong Kong, why China's ultra-rich are increasingly keeping assets closer to home, and the risks that come with tying so much wealth to the fortunes of mainland China. Subscribe to China Decode on Substack for weekly analysis, livestreams, and deep dives into the biggest story shaping the global economy: chinadecode.profgmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[NL volgt ENG] How can the EU rely on Chinese technology without ignoring the risks? The EU depends heavily on China for technologies like solar panels and electric vehicle batteries needed for the energy transition. But this same partner also brings security, economic, and political risks. What kind of trade relationship should the EU pursue with China? And how does Europe fit into China's global ambitions? Listen to political scientist Guangyu Qiao-Franco, cybersecurity expert Bart Jacobs and political scientist Angela Wigger about the complexity of the China-EU relation. The EU and China: Partners, Competitors or Rivals?| Lecture and conversation with political scientist Guangyu Qiao-Franco, cybersecurity expert Bart Jacobs and political scientist Angela Wigger Thursday 21 May 2026 | 20.00 – 21.30 hrs | Lecture Hall Complex, Radboud University Radboud Reflects and EUROPAL Have a look at the recap: https://www.ru.nl/en/services/sport-culture-and-recreation/radboud-reflects/news/the-eu-and-china-partners-competitors-or-rivals-lecture-and-conversation-with-political-scientist-guangyu-qiao-franco-cybersecurity-expert-bart-jacobs-and-political-scientist-angela-wigger Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEER1oRTyq4 Never want to miss a podcast again? Subscribe to this channel! Also don't forget to like this podcast. Radboud Reflects organizes public lectures and courses about current affairs. Check our website for upcoming in-depth lectures: www.ru.nl/radboudreflects Do you want to stay up to date about our activities? Please sign in for the newsletter: www.ru.nl//rr/newsletter NEDERLANDS Hoe kan de EU gebruikmaken van Chinese technologie, zonder de risico's te negeren? De EU is sterk afhankelijk van China voor technologieën zoals zonnepanelen en batterijen voor elektrische voertuigen, die essentieel zijn voor de energietransitie. Maar deze zelfde partner brengt ook veiligheidsrisico's, en economische en politieke risico's met zich mee. Welke handelsrelatie zou de EU met China moeten nastreven? En hoe past Europa binnen China's mondiale ambities? Luister naar politicoloog Guangyu Qiao-Franco, cybersecurity-expert Bart Jacobs en politicoloog Angela Wigger over de complexiteit van de relatie tussen China en de EU. The EU and China: Partners, Competitors or Rivals? | Lezing en gesprek met politicoloog Guangyu Qiao-Franco, cybersecurity-expert Bart Jacobs en politicoloog Angela Wigger Donderdag 21 mei 2026 | 20.00 - 21.30 uur | Collegezalencomplex, Radboud Universiteit Radboud Reflects en EUROPAL Bekijk de terugblik: https://www.ru.nl/en/services/sport-culture-and-recreation/radboud-reflects/news/the-eu-and-china-partners-competitors-or-rivals-lecture-and-conversation-with-political-scientist-guangyu-qiao-franco-cybersecurity-expert-bart-jacobs-and-political-scientist-angela-wigger Bekijk de video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEER1oRTyq4 Like deze podcast en abonneer je op dit kanaal. Bekijk ook de agenda voor nog meer verdiepende lezingen: www.ru.nl/radboudreflects Wil je geen enkele verdiepende lezing missen? Schrijf je dan in voor de nieuwsbrief: www.ru.nl/rr/nieuwsbrief

Kia ora. Welcome to Friday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz. Today we lead with news the breakdown of free passage in the Strait of Hormuz seems to have others considering the possibilities. Even if it isn't a formal idea, an Indonesian minister has wondered out loud about tolling the Malacca Strait. And there is no indication of progress on re-opening the Strait of Hormuz. It is still a deadly no-go zone with no end in sight. Only bad news from the Persian Gulf. In the US, actual initial jobless claims fell last week by -9,700 from the prior week. But this was less than the -16,000 seasonal factors would have expected. There are now 1,863,000 people on these benefits, less than the 1,880,000 a year ago but more than the 1,780,000 two years ago. There was positive news from the US 'flash' PMIs for April. The factory version is expanding faster and is at a four year high. Their services sector is expanding again in a modest way after the March contraction. But the April factory survey by the Kansas City Fed reported no improvement from the modest expansion in March. However, the Chicago Fed's National Activity Index was notably lower in its latest update, reporting its biggest drop of the year. And if you are working for the "Magnificent7" you may struggle to hold on to your job in the face of some severe downsizing. Meta has announced -10% or 8000 job cuts and said its 6000 open positions would be cancelled. And Microsoft is starting to shrink its large workforce by -7%. "AI productivity" is behind these moves. Canada said its PPI rose sharply in March, up +7.8% from the same month in 2025, driven by very high metals price increases which were up an eye-watering +23.6% on that same annual basis. In India, their April 'flash' PMIs reported a fast expansion that actually accelerated in the month, both for services and factories. In Taiwan, and given earlier data on new orders, it will probably be no surprise to know that their industrial production was up +29% from a year ago, the fastest jump on record there. Their retail sales grew too, a turnaround from prior flat results, but nothing like in their factory sector. There were 'flash' April PMIs out in Japan yesterday and their factory sector is strengthening (54.9 and a four year high) while their services sector's expansion cooled somewhat (51.2). This report also noted intensified cost pressures. South Korea reported its Q1-2025 GDP rise at +3.6% from the equivalent 2025 quarter. This was the fastest growth since the fourth quarter of 2021 and exceeded forecasts of +2.7%. In Europe, their factory sector is doing it tough in April. Eurozone output fell for first time in 16 months as prices surged higher. In Australia, their S&P Global PMI tracking shows their economy expanding again in April after the surprise March contraction. Their factory PMI is back expanding at a modest pace (51.0) while their services sector is back at a steady state (50.3) after the notable March contraction. They noted rising cost pressures however. Global container freight rates were essentially flat over the past week, with trans-Pacific rates rising but China-EU rates falling. These are now little-changed from a year ago too, up a minor +3% on that annual basis. But bulk cargo rates rose a sharpish +11% over the past week to be +110 higher than year ago levels. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.33%, up +4 bps from this time yesterday. The price of gold will start today down -US$54 at US$4682/oz. Silver is down -US$2 at just under US$76/oz. American oil prices are up +US$34at just on US$96.50/bbl, while the international Brent price is also up +US$4, and now at US$105.50/bbl and back in the range it was during the second half of March. The Kiwi dollar is down a sharpish -60 bps from yesterday at this time at 58.5 USc. Against the Aussie we are down -40 bps at 82.1 AUc. Against the euro we are down -30 bps at just on 50.1 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today down -50 bps from yesterday at just on 62 and a two week low. The bitcoin price starts today at US$77,590 and down -1.8% from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been modest at just under +/- 1.5%. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again on Tuesday – because Monday is a public holiday in New Zealand, ANZAC Day.

Kia ora. Welcome to Friday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz. Today we lead with news the Middle East ceasefire deal is still an imaginary figment. Meanwhile, US real personal spending rose just +0.1% in February from January after stagnating in January. The few places of expansion were vehicle sales, healthcare, and financial services. This data shows why most Americans don't feel like they are making economic progress. Worse, real disposable personal income fell -0.5% in February. And the final update of US Q4-2025 economic activity was revised lower yet again. You may recall it was originally touted as a +4.4% growth rate (from the prior quarter). Then the second estimate pegged it at +1.7%. This final update has dropped it to +0.5%, with revisions that reveal lower investment and consumer spending. Year-on-year in real terms, the US economy was +2.0% larger than in Q4-2024, and that is the slowest expansion since Q4-2022, and before that (and except during the pandemic), Q1-2019. US initial jobless claims rose more than expected to 203,000 last week, far more than seasonal factors would have accounted for (188,000). There are now 1,928 mln people on these benefits, less than a year ago, but more than two years ago. The April USDA WASDE report shows smaller US beef production, and they raised their beef import forecast based on recent trade data and continued strong demand for lean processing beef (like from New Zealand). In Canada, there is some intriguing politics to note. Mark Carney leads a minority, coalition government. But recent defections from the Conservatives, and likely by-election results, could see his Liberal Party governing on its own very soon as a majority party. They are cashing in on Carney's surging popularity. In Japan, consumer confidence retreated sharply in March from February which was the highest figure since April 2019. The trigger for the fallback is the global uncertainty and the latest data takes their sentiment levels back to those of May 2025. Malaysia said its industrial production rose +3.1% in February from a year ago. This was sharply less than the +5.5% expected. Meanwhile, German exports rose more than expected, up +2.9% in February from a year ago, and that was despite a -7.5% fall to the US and a -2.5% fall to China. Their imports rose +1.5% from a year ago. We should also note that Anthropic's new AI model is getting eye-catching attention. It's abilities has scared even its own developers who have warned Big Tech to prepare for major disruption. Current cyber security is about to get busted big-time. Global container freight rates rose just +1% last week from the prior week to be +2% higher than year-ago levels. And that was despite sharp increases in China-EU rates that have been roiled by the Middle East conflicts. Bulk cargo rates rose +3.3% over the past week to be +60% higher than year-ago levels. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.29%, up +1 bp from this time yesterday.  The price of gold will start today up +US$59 at US$4799/oz. (It's record high is US$5422/oz.) Silver is up +US$1.50 at US$76.50/oz. American oil prices are up +US$3 at just on US$99/bbl, while the international Brent price is up a bit less at just under US$97/bbl. The Kiwi dollar is up +40 bps from yesterday at this time at 58.7 USc. Against the Aussie we have risen +10 bps to 82.8 AUc. Against the euro we are up +10 bps at just on 50 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today up +30 bps from yesterday at just over 62.2. The bitcoin price starts today at US$72,330 and up +0.6% from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been modest at just on +/- 1.5%. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again on Monday.

Bahner, Eva www.deutschlandfunk.de, Wirtschaft am Mittag

Oil prices jumped back toward the $100-per-barrel mark on March 12 despite a coordinated release of strategic reserves by the United States and its allies, as Iranian attacks on oil and transport infrastructure across the Middle East intensified fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and a prolonged regional conflict.The Trump administration has launched new trade investigations under the Trade Act. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the probes will examine excess industrial capacity in 16 major trading partners.The countries include China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico. The investigations will determine whether foreign policies and practices are unfairly displacing U.S. manufacturing and restricting commerce.A second investigation will focus on imports produced with forced labor, targeting roughly 60 countries. These inquiries could lead to new tariffs or import restrictions.

It's Friedrich Merz's first official visit to China as German chancellor. What results will he bring back to Berlin? Merz is the fifth European state leader Beijing has received in less than three months amid rising economic and geopolitical uncertainty. What implications does it carry for the future of China-EU relations? Host Tu Yun joins Dr. Hans-Peter Burghof, a professor and the Chair of the Banking and Finance Department at the University of Hohenheim, Germany, Dr. JIN Ling, a senior research fellow leading the Department for European Studies, China Institute of International Studies, and Dr. George Tzogopoulos, the Director of EU-China Programmes and a senior research fellow at the European Institute of Nice to break down the signals, the substance, and what this moment really means.

President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that the more volatile and turbulent the international situation becomes, the greater the need for China and Germany to strengthen strategic communication, enhance mutual trust and promote the continuous new development of their comprehensive strategic partnership.Xi made the remarks when receiving German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as the first foreign leader in the Year of the Horse at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Merz arrived on Wednesday morning for his inaugural visit to China since taking office in May last year."The Chinese New Year celebrations continue until the Lantern Festival. Your visit during the Chinese New Year is just like friends and relatives visiting each other," Xi told the German guest, saying that it fully reflects the closeness and high level of China-Germany relations.Xi called on the two sides to use the stability and vitality of China-Germany ties to promote cooperation in China-European Union relations and contribute to harmony and common good in a turbulent world.Speaking about the future development of China-Germany relations, Xi said the two countries should strive to be reliable partners that support each other, partners for innovation committed to openness and mutual benefit, and partners in cultural exchanges that understand and respect one another.Xi stressed that China remains committed to the path of peaceful development and has both the confidence and capability to advance Chinese modernization. China will continue to share development opportunities with countries around the world, including Germany, he said. It is hoped that Germany will view China's development in an objective and rational way, uphold a positive China policy and meet China halfway to work for sustained and steady progress in growing China-Germany relations, Xi said.The two sides should strengthen the alignment of their development strategies, promote the two-way flow of talent, knowledge and technology, and enhance dialogue and cooperation in frontier fields such as artificial intelligence, he said.Xi said that China and Germany should properly handle the relationship between competition and cooperation, explore mutually beneficial and win-win pathways of cooperation, and jointly keep industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded.Noting that both China and Germany are major countries with profound cultural heritage, Xi called on the two sides to deepen mutual learning between civilizations, expand people-to-people exchanges and consolidate the public foundation of friendship between the two nations.Xi also noted the importance of China and Germany upholding the central role of the United Nations and reinvigorating its leading role.Beijing and Berlin should take the lead in being upholders of multilateralism, practitioners of international rule of law, defenders of free trade and advocates of solidarity and coordination, he said.Xi said China supports Europe's efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy and hopes the EU will work with China in the same direction, uphold the positioning of their strategic partnership, adhere to openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and promote greater development of China-EU relations in order to make a larger contribution to world peace and development.Merz said the German side attaches great importance to its relations with China and remains firmly committed to the one-China policy. Germany stands ready to work with China to carry forward the tradition of friendship, uphold mutual respect, openness and cooperation, and continuously deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, he said.Merz, who is accompanied by a high-level trade delegation with senior executives from around 30 leading German companies, said the German business community places high importance on the Chinese market and hopes to further expand cooperation to achieve mutual benefit and shared development.Xi and Merz also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Xi outlined China's principled position on the crisis, saying that seeking solutions through dialogue and negotiation is key to the issue.Xi noted the necessity of ensuring the equal participation of all parties to lay a solid foundation for peace, addressing the legitimate concerns of all sides to strengthen the will for peace, and achieving common security to build a lasting framework for peace.The two sides issued a joint press statement, in which they expressed their willingness to properly address each other's concerns through candid and open dialogue, so as to ensure a long-term, balanced, reliable and sustainable economic and trade relationship.As part of his two-day visit, Merz is scheduled to tour Beijing's Forbidden City and the Mercedes-Benz production facility, before traveling to Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, to visit Chinese robotics company Unitree and German turbine manufacturer Siemens Energy.Jin Ling, director of the Department for Global Governance and International Organizations at the China Institute of International Studies, said Merz's visit itself carries significance against the backdrop of debate within Europe over how to approach China.By emphasizing partnership and a cooperative tone, Merz has sent a signal aimed at filtering out "noise" and external interference, and at anchoring China-Germany and China-EU relations in pragmatic cooperation, she said.Merz is the latest in a string of Western leaders to visit Beijing in close succession within just a few weeks after French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer."These visits reflect recognition of China's global role and the opportunities presented by its market. Missing out on the Chinese market would mean missing out on opportunities, is a view that appears to be gaining wider consensus," Jin added.

Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi has urged China and France to help stabilize a turbulent world, stressing China-EU partnership and dialogue, as France reaffirmed its commitment to working with Beijing on global challenges.

In the new year, leaders of nations in Asia, Europe and North America have traveled to China to discuss reinforcing bilateral ties and expanding pragmatic cooperation, and countries such as Finland have confirmed or planned visits to China by their leaders in the near future.Observers said one major reason behind the visits is that Beijing projects great predictability and consistency in its domestic and foreign policy, signaling tangible and continued mutual benefit in a world plagued by soaring geopolitical tensions, unilateralism and hegemony.The next guest will be Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who is scheduled to make a four-day official visit to China starting on Sunday.The first head of state and the first foreign minister that Beijing received in 2026 both came from neighboring countries — Republic of Korea President Lee Jae-myung and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.After President Xi Jinping's meeting with Lee on Jan 5, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation documents covering fields including scientific and technological innovation, the environment, transportation and trade.The official visit by Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin, from Jan 4-8, was the first by an Irish prime minister in 14 years, giving fresh momentum to both bilateral and China-EU ties.Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made an official visit to China, and the two sides issued a joint statement of the China-Canada leaders' meeting, vowing to advance outcomes in areas including trade, energy, public security, culture and multilateralism.As reported by the Canadian newspaper Toronto Sun, Melanie Joly, Canada's industry minister, told reporters in Beijing that "the conversations here have been more predictable and stable than sometimes with other countries, including our neighbor".Recently, media outlets in Britain and Germany have reported that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz may visit China later this year.The visits to China have helped nations, and will help more countries, improve their perception of China and rediscover the vast potential of the Chinese market, experts said.Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong told a symposium on Monday that this year marks the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period and that China "will further step up its high-level opening-up".Wang Huiyao, president of the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization, said the visits to China took place as unilateral bullying practices "have sparked widespread concern in the international community", and "the momentum of unilateralism is on the rise in transatlantic relations".Taking Canada as an example, Wang said the rebound in China-Canada relations "is both a testament to the strategic wisdom of both sides and a natural choice that aligns with public opinion and market realities".Gao Fei, president of China Foreign Affairs University, said countries clearly know who are serving as stabilizers in this volatile world, and "China is the most predictable one among the major countries".As many countries speak positively of China's role in peace, stability and growth, some of their leaders visited in the new year to learn more about China's wisdom and solutions, he added.As part of efforts by working teams from China and these countries to realize the leaders' fresh consensus, Chinese and ROK officials on Monday kicked off the 13th round of follow-up negotiations on services and investment under the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement.Wang Junsheng, a researcher on Northeast Asia studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' National Institute of International Strategy, noted that as the global economy remains sluggish and trade protectionism prevails, countries such as the ROK are grappling with challenges like tariff wars."In this context, maintaining stable economic and trade cooperation with China is crucial for the ROK's economic growth," Wang said."The global industrial supply chain is being disrupted by trade protectionism, so stable cooperation between the ROK and China in supply chain-related sectors is also of the utmost importance," he added.

The European Union's latest decision to phase out Chinese components and equipment from critical infrastructure such as telecommunications and solar energy, on the pretext of safeguarding "security", reflects an ideological bias that threatens to undermine the cooperative and mutually beneficial Sino-EU trade relations.欧盟以保障“安全”为借口，在其最新决议中表示将逐步淘汰电信和太阳能等关键基础设施中的中国零部件和设备。这种做法反映出一种意识形态偏见，可能危及中欧互利共赢的贸易关系。The restrictive measures, set out by the European Commission on Tuesday in revisions to the EU Cybersecurity‍Act, build on actions taken in 2023 when the EU executive arm urged member states to exclude Huawei and ZTE from their mobile networks due to "security risks".欧盟委员会周二在修订《欧盟网络安全法》时提出的限制性措施，延续了2023年的行动——当时欧盟执行机构以“安全风险”为由，敦促成员国将华为和中兴排除在移动网络之外。But if security truly was the issue, there would be a transparent, evidence-based process to address these concerns, rather than sweeping administrative bans. Such prejudicial actions not only damage the trust necessary for bilateral trade, but also harm the interests of European companies and consumers.但若安全问题确属关键，理应通过透明、基于证据的程序来解决，而非采取一刀切的行政禁令。此类有失公允的举措不仅损害双边贸易所需的信任基础，更损害欧洲企业和消费者的利益。Chinese enterprises have beenintegral to the EU's technological advancement, providing high-quality and cost-effective solutions that have significantly contributed to the bloc's economic growth, job creation and digital transformation. From building 5G networks and advancing smart city projects in Europe, Chinese technology companies such as Huawei have demonstrated their commitment to compliance and innovation over the years.中国企业始终是欧盟技术进步的重要组成部分，其提供的高质量、高性价比解决方案为欧盟的经济增长、就业创造和数字化转型作出了重大贡献。从建设5G网络到推进欧洲智慧城市项目，华为等中国科技企业多年来始终展现出对合规与创新的坚定承诺。The earlier targeting of Huawei and ZTE was influenced by external pressures from the United States, which has long sought to exclude Chinese entities from global technology markets. And the bloc has been pursuing so-called "de-risking" since then. Although recent pressure from the US and other realities have prompted the EU to adopt a more pragmatic approach, it hasn't softened its stance in the telecommunications sector, although the specific implementation varies from country to country.早先针对华为和中兴的打压受到美国外部压力的影响，美国长期以来一直试图将中国企业排除在全球技术市场之外。此后，欧盟一直在推行所谓的“去风险化”政策。尽管近期来自美国的压力及其他现实因素促使欧盟采取更务实的态度，但其在电信领域的立场并未软化，尽管具体实施方式因国而异。This is because some European politicians still believe "security" to be a core issue in trade with China, and they try to mislead the EU to exclude Chinese suppliers. Ironically, these politicians pretend to be blind to the substantial security threats from the US, not only to the EU's economy and trade but also its members' territorial integrity.究其根源，部分欧洲政客仍将“安全”视为对华贸易的核心议题，试图误导欧盟排斥中国供应商。讽刺的是，这些政客对美国带来的实质性安全威胁视而不见——这种威胁不仅危及欧盟的经济贸易，更威胁到成员国的领土完整。The economic implications of excluding Chinese technology are profound. The financial burden of replacing established infrastructure is substantial, and the resultant delays in technological advancement could hinder Europe's competitiveness in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This has been evidenced by the experience of the United Kingdom, where the exclusion of Huawei in 2020 led to significant delays and increased the costs of the country's 5G rollout.排除中国技术将产生深远的经济影响——更换现有基础设施的财务负担相当沉重，由此导致的技术进步延迟可能阻碍欧洲在快速发展的数字领域中的竞争力。英国的经验就证明了这一点：2020年将华为排除在外，导致该国5G网络部署出现重大延误，成本增加。It is estimated that replacing Chinese telecommunications equipment within the EU would cost billions of euros; over 90 percent of solar panels in the EU are manufactured in China, and manufacturing solar panels locally in the EU could be 160 percent more expensive than manufacturing them in China. Currently, Chinese inverters are used in the generation of over 200 gigawatts of power in the EU; and 70 percent of the inverters in newly installed solar power capacity in 2023 were imported from China, with Chinese products more than 20 percent cheaper than those from the EU.据估算，欧盟境内替换中国电信设备将耗资数十亿欧元；欧盟90%以上的太阳能电池板产自中国，若在欧盟本土制造，成本可能比中国高出160%。目前欧盟超过200吉瓦的发电量依赖中国逆变器；2023年新增太阳能装机容量中70%的逆变器来自中国进口，且中国产品比欧盟同类产品便宜20%以上。Instead of excluding Chinese technology, the EU should focus on fostering innovation and building partnerships with Chinese companies that enhance its technological capabilities while respecting the principles of free trade.欧盟不应排斥中国技术，而应致力于培育创新能力，并与中国企业建立合作伙伴关系，在尊重自由贸易原则的前提下提升自身技术实力。China's leading position in certain industries is the result of continuous technological innovation and the advantages of its manufacturing system, and should not be portrayed as a "threat". China's development is a global opportunity, not a threat to any country.中国在某些产业领域的领先地位，源于持续的技术创新和制造业体系的优势，不应被描绘成“威胁”。中国的发展是全球机遇，而非对任何国家的威胁。It is imperative that the EU reassess its approach toward Chinese enterprises, and try to balance its "security" concerns with the benefits of continued collaboration with China.欧盟亟需重新评估对华企业政策，在“安全”顾虑与持续合作带来的利益间寻求平衡。The EU stands at a crossroads. It can either succumb to protectionist tendencies that threaten to isolate it in an interconnected world, or it can embrace a path of rational, unbiased engagement that features open trade and mutual benefit. The choice will not only influence the future of China-EU economic relations, but also determine the EU's role in the global economic order. European countries should rationally consider this from an objective perspective, reflecting on how its "de-risking" practices have distracted the bloc's attention from its real security threat while misleading it to falsely identify a partner as a "threat".欧盟正处十字路口：或屈从于保护主义倾向，在互联世界中自我孤立；或选择理性公正的开放合作之路，践行互利共赢的贸易理念。这一抉择不仅将影响中欧经济关系的未来走向，更将决定欧盟在全球经济秩序中的定位。欧洲各国应当以客观视角理性审视：其“去风险化”举措不仅转移了欧盟对真正安全威胁的关注，更误导其将合作伙伴错误归类为“威胁”。de-risking去风险化Integral/ˈɪn.t̬ə.ɡrəl/adj.不可或缺的

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart EU, CHINA STRIKE DEAL ON EV TARIFF WORKAROUND https://evne.ws/4aSWsL9 CHINA'S EV MARKET NOW DWARFS US AND EUROPE https://evne.ws/4qTVhjf CHINA'S EV BOOM HITS RECORD, BUT MOMENTUM EBBS https://evne.ws/4jNUG0b CHINA SHIFTS SOLID-STATE BATTERIES FROM PILOT TO PLANT https://evne.ws/4brwEG8 BYD BOOSTS SEALION 05 DM RANGE TO SHADOW EV SIBLING https://evne.ws/4qdeexo DENZA Z9 GT GAINS SINGLE-MOTOR OPTION AND MORE POWER https://evne.ws/457Ds7X CHERY STRETCHES RANGE IN BOXY OFF-ROAD HYBRID https://evne.ws/4sJ5NvE XIAOMI EV HITS RECORD 50,212 DELIVERIES IN DECEMBER https://evne.ws/4qMi1BB LEAPMOTOR'S €14K SUV GIVES STELLANTIS A BARGAIN EV BET https://evne.ws/49SqcXq

China and the European Union, after more than a year of talks, have agreed to set minimum prices for imported Chinese electric vehicles in lieu of hefty tariffs, which will help safeguard the global auto supply chain and support the rules-based global trading system, officials and experts said.中欧经过一年多的磋商，已就以设定中国进口电动汽车最低价格替代高额关税达成一致。官员和专家表示，此举将有助于维护全球汽车供应链安全，并支持以规则为基础的全球贸易体系。It sends a clear signal that the two major economies have the capability and willingness to resolve differences through equal dialogue, they added.他们补充称，这释放出一个明确信号，即这两大经济体具备并愿意通过平等对话化解分歧。The Ministry of Commerce said on Monday that both China and the EU "believe it necessary" to provide general guidance on price undertakings — commitments to establish minimum prices — for Chinese exporters of battery electric passenger vehicles to the EU.商务部周一表示，中欧双方“均认为有必要”为向欧盟出口纯电动乘用车的中国出口商提供有关价格承诺的一般性指导，即作出设定最低价格的承诺。This move, the ministry noted in a statement, will enable Chinese exporters to address the EU's anti-subsidy case concerning Chinese EVs in a way that is "more practical, targeted and consistent with WTO rules".商务部在声明中指出，这一举措将使中国出口商以“更加务实、更具针对性且符合世贸组织规则”的方式应对欧盟针对中国电动车发起的反补贴案件。"It shows that both China and the EU have the ability and willingness to properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultation under the framework of WTO rules," the ministry added.商务部补充表示，这表明中欧双方在世贸组织规则框架下，通过对话协商妥善解决分歧具备能力和意愿。Sun Xiao hong, secretary-general of the automotive branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, said that though the EU intends to achieve the same outcome through price undertakings as by imposing tariffs, for Chinese automobile exporters, this means the portion equivalent to the duty is retained as their own revenue, effectively increasing their profit margins.中国机电产品进出口商会汽车分会秘书长孙晓红表示，尽管欧盟希望通过价格承诺达到与加征关税相同的效果，但对中国汽车出口商而言，这意味着原本相当于关税的那部分金额将转化为自身收入，从而有效提升利润空间。In October 2024, Brussels decided to impose tariffs for five years of up to 35.3 percent on imports of Chinese EVs. These were levied in addition to the standard 10 percent duty, following a probe into unfounded allegations of so-called unfair subsidies in China's EV industry.2024年10月，布鲁塞尔决定对进口中国电动车加征为期五年、最高达35.3%的关税，并在原有10%的标准关税基础上叠加实施。该决定源于欧方就所谓中国电动车产业存在“不公平补贴”的不实指控展开的调查。Beijing and Brussels had floated the alternative WTO-compatible solution of lifting the tariffs through price undertakings for imported cars, and conducted various rounds of negotiations over the past year.中国与布鲁塞尔此前提出，通过对进口汽车采取价格承诺、以符合世贸组织规则的方式取消关税这一替代方案，并在过去一年中进行了多轮谈判。Also on Monday, the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, issued a guidance document on the submission of price undertaking offers for EVs from China.同样在周一，作为欧盟执行机构的欧盟委员会发布了一份关于提交中国电动车价格承诺方案的指导文件。"When the two economic powers, which hold significant influence within the WTO, choose to settle a major dispute through negotiation, it reinforces the rules-based global trading system in a particularly challenging international environment," said Tu Xin quan, director of the China Institute for World Trade Organization Studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.北京对外经济贸易大学中国世界贸易组织研究院院长屠新泉表示：“当在世贸组织中具有重要影响力的两大经济体选择通过谈判解决重大争端时，这将在当前复杂严峻的国际环境下，有力巩固以规则为基础的全球贸易体系。”In the document, the commission said it would assess each price undertaking offer against the same legal criteria in an objective and fair manner, following the principle of nondiscrimination and in accordance with WTO rules.欧盟委员会在文件中表示，将依据相同的法律标准，本着客观、公正和不歧视原则，并按照世贸组织规则，对每一份价格承诺方案进行评估。The submission of a formal price undertaking offer to the European Commission triggers a procedure for the assessment of its acceptability and practicability that will be carried out expeditiously.向欧盟委员会正式提交价格承诺方案后，将启动对其可接受性和可操作性的评估程序，并将尽快完成。"Properly resolving the EU's anti-subsidy case on Chinese EVs is a common expectation among upstream and downstream industries in both China and the EU," the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products said in a statement on Monday.中国机电产品进出口商会周一在声明中表示，妥善解决欧盟对中国电动车发起的反补贴案件，是中欧产业链上下游的共同期待。The chamber, on behalf of different types of Chinese car manufacturers, had put forward the price undertaking proposals during previous negotiations.该商会此前代表不同类型的中国汽车制造企业，在谈判中提出了价格承诺方案。"It will contribute to the security and stability of the related industrial and supply chains between the two sides, safeguard the overall interests of China-EU economic and trade cooperation, and uphold the rules-based international trade order," the chamber added.商会补充称，此举将有助于维护中欧相关产业链和供应链的安全稳定，保障中欧经贸合作的整体利益，并维护以规则为基础的国际贸易秩序。price undertaking /praɪs ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ/价格承诺anti-subsidy case /ˌænti ˈsʌbsɪdi keɪs/反补贴案件rules-based global trading system /ruːlz beɪst ˈɡləʊbl ˈtreɪdɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/以规则为基础的全球贸易体系profit margin /ˈprɒfɪt ˈmɑːdʒɪn/利润空间nondiscrimination principle /ˌnɒndɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/不歧视原则

① Xi calls for sustained anti-corruption drive. How does deepening institutional oversight underpin China's long-term governance and development goals? (00:49) ② China–EU agree on EV price undertakings. How can dialogue-based solutions ease trade frictions and stabilize the global auto supply chain? (11:06) ③ China tightens rules on government investment funds. How will stronger evaluation mechanisms improve capital efficiency and guide social investment toward national priorities? (24:18) ④ Turkey seeks to join Saudi–Pakistan defense pact. As U.S. intervention in Venezuela fuels global security anxiety, is Ankara hedging beyond NATO? (34:44) ⑤ X's AI chatbot Grok blocked in Southeast Asia, UK probes platform. Is the world nearing a turning point in AI content regulation and platform accountability? (46:09)

The Chinese commerce ministry says China and the European Union have agreed on general guidance regarding prices for Chinese passenger electric vehicle exporters to the EU.

① President Xi Jinping has held talks with his visiting South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung in Beijing. Are China-South Korea ties entering a phase of gradual recovery? (00:51) ② Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin is on a visit to China. How can Ireland strengthen cooperation with Beijing and advance China-EU ties? (14:23) ③ Will Donald Trump order a second US military strike on Venezuela? (24:31) ④ What has enabled China to kick off 2026 with a strong surge in travel and tourism? (33:42) ⑤ Why are Saudi-backed government forces clashing with UAE-backed fighters in Yemen's civil conflict? (44:11)

Saffran discusses the surprising US Economy growth to 4.3% in Q3, China–EU Trade Friction Escalates on electric vehicle and dairy products tariffs. Winter storm hits 16 major US states putting millions of people in danger. He also talks about the recent positive development of the peace plan between Russia and Ukraine as the President of Kuraine said to meet Donald Trump on Sunday at Mar la logo. "US Economy Surges: GDP Up 4.3% in Q3"

① Xi, Macron meet and pledge cooperation on global crises and trade. How might this deepened China-France engagement influence broader China-EU relations and global multilateral coordination? (00:45) ② Japan drops out of the top 10 destinations for Chinese travelers after PM Takaichi's radical moves. What does this “Takaichi Fallout” reveal about the economic costs of political missteps in Japan? (13:31) ③Putin visits India amid Ukraine peace push. What's on the agenda? (26:28) ④ EU to launch antitrust probe into Meta over use of AI in WhatsApp. What impact will it have for tech companies? (35:57) ⑤ China Eastern launches world's longest flight route from Shanghai to Argentina. What does this milestone say about China-Latin America ties? (44:31)

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a state visit to China through Friday.应中国国家主席习近平邀请，法国总统埃马纽埃尔·马克龙周三抵达北京，将于周三至周五对中国进行国事访问。It is Macron's fourth state visit to China and a reciprocal visit to Xi's historic state visit to France last year that marked the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations.这将是马克龙第四次对中国进行国事访问，也是对去年习近平主席对法国进行历史性国事访问的回访——该访问恰逢中法建交60周年。During the visit this week, Xi will hold talks with Macron to jointly guide the development of China-France relations under the new circumstances. The two presidents will also have in-depth exchanges of views on major international and regional hotspot issues.在本周访问期间，习近平主席将与马克龙总统举行会谈，就新形势下如何共同引领中法关系发展进行战略沟通。两国元首还将就重大国际和地区热点问题深入交换意见。China is ready to work with France to take this visit as an opportunity to champion the spirit that guided the establishment of China-France diplomatic ties, strengthen strategic communication, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and work for closer coordination in multilateral affairs, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.中国外交部发言人表示，中方愿同法方以此访为契机，弘扬两国建交时所秉持的精神，强化战略沟通，深化务实合作，并在多边事务中加强协调。Together, the two sides can make new progress in their comprehensive strategic partnership, promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations, and contribute more to multilateralism and a peaceful, stable and prosperous world, the spokesperson added.发言人补充说，双方可以共同推动中法全面战略伙伴关系迈上新台阶，促进中欧关系健康稳定发展，并为多边主义以及世界的和平、稳定与繁荣作出更大贡献。state visit国事访问reciprocal visit回访pragmatic cooperation务实合作comprehensive strategic partnership全面战略伙伴关系sound and steady development健康稳定发展international and regional hotspot issues国际和地区热点问题

China has just concluded an important chapter, the "14th Five-Year Plan," marked by historic strides in technological innovation, a green transition, and high-quality development. As the nation unveils its "15th Five-Year Plan," former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Poland, Professor Grzegorz W. Kołodko shares his assessment of China's economic resilience through the decades. What's his view on the prospects of China-Poland relations and China-EU dynamics amid a complex global landscape and Trump 2.0? What role can China's development model play in shaping inclusive globalization and the future of global governance?

① China and France have held a strategic dialogue in Hangzhou. How can the two sides deepen mutual trust and promote all-round cooperation? (00:52) ② South Korea has appointed Ro Jae-hun, the eldest son of former President Roh Tae-woo, as its new ambassador to China. What does this appointment tell about President Lee Jae Myung and his administration's China policy? (14:03) ③ Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow. We take a look at al-Sharaa's efforts to restore and redefine ties with Russia? (24:37) ④ A conversation with Professor Grzegorz Kolodko, former Finance Minister of Poland, on China's economy and China-EU dynamics. (34:46) ⑤ US President Donald Trump has confirmed a report that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. What's his intention? (44:53)

China rebuked the European Commission for unwarrantedly and wantonly imposing sanctions on Chinese entities in its previous packages of sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis, based on the false allegation that they are "supporting" Russia's military. However, the commission targeted more Chinese entities in a sweeping new package of sanctions against Russia over the weekend.此前，欧盟委员会借乌克兰危机对俄实施多轮制裁时，以所谓“支持”俄罗斯军事为由无端肆意制裁中国实体，中国已就此予以谴责。然而，该委员会在周末推出的新一轮大规模对俄制裁中，又将更多中国实体列为制裁目标。In its 19th package of sanctions since the start of the Ukraine crisis, the European Commission added 12 Chinese enterprises to its blacklist, targeting refineries, oil traders and petrochemical companies. Subject to approval by all EU member states, the sanctions purportedly demonstrate that "Europe is increasing its pressure on Russia", according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.这是乌克兰危机爆发以来欧盟推出的第19轮对俄制裁，欧盟委员会将12家中国企业纳入黑名单，涉及炼油厂、石油贸易商及石化企业。欧盟委员会主席乌尔苏拉·冯德莱恩表示，该制裁方案需经所有欧盟成员国批准，据称此举是为了表明“欧洲正加大对俄罗斯的施压力度”。China is not the creator of, nor is it a party to the Ukraine crisis. It remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace talks and playing a constructive role in multilateral efforts to realize a political settlement of the crisis. By trying to demonize the normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian entities as efforts to "support" Russia's military, the European Union is simply trying to shift the blame onto China for its own failure to end the conflict.中国并非乌克兰危机的制造者，也不是冲突当事方。中国始终坚定致力于推动和谈，在多边框架下为实现危机政治解决发挥建设性作用。欧盟将中俄实体间的正常交流合作污蔑为“支持”俄罗斯军事，实则是为自身未能推动冲突结束而试图将责任转嫁中国。The commission has apparently realized that Ukraine, despite the support it is receiving from the United States and the EU, is unlikely to defeat Russia on the battlefield. And that the bloc cannot impose comprehensive sanctions against Russia without harming its own interests. It is using sanctions against third parties, such as China, as a form of virtue signaling and as an attempt to appease the White House. It is a display of the EU's willingness to do the US' bidding on the issue, rather than as a genuine effort to end the conflict.欧盟委员会显然已意识到，尽管乌克兰得到美国和欧盟的支持，但在战场上击败俄罗斯的可能性不大；同时，欧盟若对俄罗斯实施全面制裁，必将损害自身利益。因此，其将对中国等第三方实施制裁作为一种“道德表态”，试图以此讨好美国政府。这一做法表明，在该问题上欧盟甘愿听从美国指令，而非真心实意推动冲突结束。The US administration has called on the EU to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on China and India, as part of its efforts to pressure Beijing and New Delhi to cut their purchases of Russian oil and end their "aid" to Russia. This is another sign of the US' exploitative approach to the EU on the Ukraine crisis and tariffs. The US administration recently admitted the US has made profits from selling weapons to the EU over the Ukraine crisis.美国政府已呼吁欧盟对中国和印度征收最高100%的关税，此举旨在施压北京和新德里减少购买俄罗斯石油，并停止对俄“援助”。这一行为再次表明，在乌克兰危机和关税问题上，美国正以剥削性方式利用欧盟。美国政府近期也承认，在乌克兰危机期间，美国通过向欧盟出售武器获取了利润。By meting out punitive measures against Chinese companies on such spurious grounds, the European Commission is doing nothing but seeking to show the US that it is answering its call without imposing a blanket tariff hike.欧盟委员会以如此牵强的理由对中国企业实施惩罚性措施，无非是想向美国表明，其正响应美方号召，同时又避免全面提高关税。The commission's unjustified move against China is shortsighted as the US is instrumentalizing Europe's vulnerabilities for its own geopolitical gains. Von der Leyen's alignment with Washington — accepting a US baseline 15 percent tariff on most EU goods while promising large EU purchases of US energy and defense — is intended to cement transatlantic unity.欧盟委员会对中国采取的这一不当举措目光短浅，因为美国正利用欧洲的脆弱性谋取自身地缘政治利益。冯德莱恩选择与美国保持一致——接受美国对大多数欧盟商品征收15%的基准关税，同时承诺欧盟大量采购美国能源和防务产品——此举意在巩固跨大西洋联盟。But in practice it leaves the EU exposed to loss of leverage in trade talks, domestic criticism over economic imbalance, and a weakened ability to defend its interests independently amid the Ukraine crisis and US pressure.但实际上，这一做法使欧盟在贸易谈判中丧失筹码，因经济失衡面临国内批评，且在乌克兰危机和美国压力下，其独立维护自身利益的能力也被削弱。Sanctioning the Chinese entities undoubtedly harms Sino-EU relations and represents another ill-advised move of the EU.制裁中国实体无疑会损害中欧关系，这是欧盟又一不明智之举。For its own good, the EU should uphold its strategic autonomy rather than making decisions to try and claim the moral high ground and accommodate the US administration's agenda.为自身利益着想，欧盟应维护战略自主，而非为抢占道德高地、迎合美国政府议程而做出决策。The development of China-EU relations over the past 50 years has proved that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, still less enemies. There is no territorial dispute, no geopolitical conflict, nor any fundamental conflict of interests between the two sides. China has always viewed its relations with the EU from a strategic and long-term perspective. It is hoped that the EU will work with China in the same direction to ensure that cooperation remains the underlying feature of China-EU relations.过去50年的中欧关系发展证明，中欧是伙伴，而非对手，更非敌人。双方不存在领土争端、地缘政治冲突，也没有根本利益分歧。中国始终从战略和长远角度看待中欧关系，希望欧盟能与中国相向而行，确保合作始终是中欧关系的底色。To end the Ukraine crisis, it is necessary for the US and the EU to refrain from seeking selfish gains and not add fuel to the fire by further exacerbating tensions. The sanctions imposed by the EU, as well as those by the US, over the Ukraine crisis have not only fueled tensions, but also seriously disturbed global supply chains.要结束乌克兰危机，美欧需摒弃自私自利的图谋，避免进一步加剧紧张局势、火上浇油。欧盟与美国借乌克兰危机实施的制裁，不仅推高了紧张局势，还严重扰乱了全球供应链。History clearly shows that such sanctions, devoid of legitimacy in international law, have never been solutions to burning issues, not to mention the goal of founding a lasting, workable and balanced security mechanism for Europe.历史清楚表明，此类制裁缺乏国际法依据，从未成为解决紧迫问题的有效手段，更遑论实现为欧洲建立持久、可行且平衡的安全机制这一目标。strategic autonomy (of the EU)n.（欧盟的）战略自主 /strəˈtiːdʒɪk ɔːˈtɒnəmi (əv ðə ˌiː ˈjuː)/19th package of EU sanctions (against Russia)n.欧盟第19轮（对俄）制裁方案/ˌnaɪnˈtiːnθ ˈpækɪdʒ əv ˌiː ˈjuː ˈsæŋkʃnz (əˈɡenst ˈrʌʃə)/

Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer have once again convened the so-called ‘Coalition of the Willing' in Paris to consolidate proposals for post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. But as Europe looks to a hypothetical future, a growing alliance led by China is focused on a new era of global leadership which Xi Jinping says has already arrived. The Chinese president welcomed a host of world leaders this week, with none more notable than Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who is continuing his re-emergence on the diplomatic stage. To answer your questions, Lucy and Vitaly are joined by the BBC's chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet. As US-led peace efforts continue to falter, they discuss the implications for Ukraine, with Russia's non-western allies showing no sign of relinquishing either economic or political support for the ongoing invasion.You can fill out our audience questionnaire here: bit.ly/ukrainecastfeedbackToday's episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast's Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

090425 Scott Adams Show, Russia Siberian Pipeline to China, EU US is Waking Up, ICE Chicago

Chinese Premier Li Qiang says relations between China and the European Union should be defined by cooperation no matter how the international landscape evolves (02:42). Thailand and Cambodia continue to trade attacks near the border area for a second day (14:06). U.S. President Donald Trump makes an in-person tour at the Federal Reserve (23:37).

China and the EU hold a summit in Beijing, the U.S. House subpoenas Ghislaine Maxwell, WEF founder Klaus Schwab denies allegations of misconduct, an Israeli woman is charged in an alleged plot to assassinate Netanyahu, Thailand and Cambodia exchange strikes, Tulsi Gabbard declassifies a report challenging the 2016 Russia assessment, two “Freedom Convoy” leaders face a sentencing hearing in Canada, the European Central Bank holds rates steady at 2%, Columbia University settles claims of antisemitism for $221 million, and wrestling champion Hulk Hogan dies. Sources: www.verity.news

China and the European Union have pledged to promote cooperation on trade and investment at the 25th China-EU summit. The two sides have also issued a joint declaration, reaffirming policy continuity to step up efforts in tackling climate change. Meeting EU leaders in Beijing, President Xi Jinping called for providing more certainty for the world through steady China-EU ties.Why does the current international landscape require China and the EU to deepen trust? How can the two sides focus on pragmatic cooperation despite their differences? Host Ding Heng is joined by Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow of Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; Dr. George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Program at CIFE, a European research organization; Sultan Hali, a Chinese foreign policy analyst and retired Air Force officer in Pakistan.

As Brussels and Beijing mark 50 years of diplomacy, we discuss how simmering tensions might scupper progress. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was die Europäer beim Gipfel in Peking erreicht haben – und vor allem, was nicht. Und: Ein sehr alter Konflikt zwischen Thailand und Kambodscha eskaliert. Mal wieder. (13:00) Stephanie Rohde

Am Donnerstag treffen sich Vertreter der Europäischen Union und der Volksrepublik China in Peking zum 50-jährigen Jubiläum diplomatischer Beziehungen. Ursprünglich als zweitägiger Gipfel geplant, bleibt es nun bei einem eintägigen Treffen – ein Symbol für die Spannungen, die das Verhältnis zwischen Brüssel und Peking zunehmend belasten.

Chinese President Xi Jinping calls on China and the European Union to firmly uphold the right direction of China-Europe relations (01:07). Soldiers from Thailand and Cambodia exchange fire at a disputed border area (14:48). China continues to deepen its medical and health system reforms by expanding medical insurance coverage (37:10).

High-level European leaders are arriving in China this week for a significant round of talks with their Chinese counterparts. The visit comes at a time when both sides are navigating through a complex web of global challenges. With all eyes on Beijing and Brussels, how will the two sides work through their differences? Can they find common ground for the next phase of bilateral engagement?

① How might the latest China–EU talks shape their future ties? (00:48)② What to watch for in the China–U.S. next trade talks in Sweden? (10:30)③ Why is the U.S. redeploying nuclear weapons to the U.K. after 17 years? (24:21)④ Why Russia and Ukraine agree to a prisoner swap but fail to reach a ceasefire in their latest talks? (32:35)

① What does the launch of island-wide independent customs operations in Hainan Free Trade Port this December mean for China's opening-up? (00:47)② What was discussed during the video meeting between China's commerce minister and the EU trade commissioner ahead of the China–EU summit? (13:18)③ Being America's friend in 2025—what does it take? U.S. President Donald Trump announces trade deals with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. (24:30)④ Japanese PM Ishiba denies talks of his imminent resignation. (35:03)⑤ Why is the U.S. pulling out of UNESCO again—for the third time? (43:55)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for dialogue over division in his meetings with EU leaders in Brussels.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is calling on China and the European Union to strengthen unity and coordination, and become a stabilizing force in a tumultuous world.

Bilateral trade between China and the EU last year reached US$786 billion with investment rising to US$260 billion. Yet friction remains as the EU has moved to curb the access of Chinese medical device makers to public procurement contracts and imposed high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. This comes after the EU designated China as "a partner for cooperation, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival". How well will this approach play out? What are the expectations for China-EU trade relations going forward? How are U.S. protectionist policies impacting China-EU relations?

A.M. Edition for May 2. The EU floats buying more than $50 billion in American goods to address U.S. trade complaints, while China says it's weighing starting talks with Washington. Plus, at the tail end of busy earnings week, Arete Research's Richard Kramer discusses big tech's ability to weather prevailing uncertainty. And bettors pour millions into prediction markets to try their hand at guessing who'll be the next pope. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beijing announced a tariff hike on U.S. imports to 84% from 34%, shortly after America's 104% tariffs on Chinese imports kicked in on Wednesday. The EU said it would impose 25% tariffs on a range of U.S. imports in a first round of countermeasures. The 27-member bloc faces U.S. tariffs of 20% on most products and higher duties on autos and steel. Countermeasures in Canada, a close U.S. ally and major trading partner, also took effect on Wednesday.U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testified on Wednesday before the House Ways and Means Committee on President Donald Trump's 2025 trade policy agenda.