Written by: Mikołaj Wozniak, Karolina Czarnowska. crucial support: Łukasz Kobierski
02.03. Wang-Barrot telephone call
2 March French Minister for abroad Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot had a telephone conversation with China abroad Minister Wang Yi. The main subject of the talks was the situation in the mediate East.
French Minister stressed that France and China, as permanent members of the UN safety Council, have a peculiar work for maintaining global peace and security. He besides recalled the work of the Iranian government for the ongoing escalation of the conflict, after it attacked respective countries in the region without justification, refused to respect the resolutions of the safety Council governing the atomic programme and to negociate on this matter. The Minister besides recalled the scale of the human rights violations committed by the government in January during the bloody suppression of public demonstrations. The Minister added that the military operation carried out by the United States and Israel was carried out without the participation of France and without its knowledge, and that it is the work of each country to give precedence to global institutions in order to resolve disputes and, if necessary, to hotel to force.
Wang Yi reiterated China's position, stressing that the global community should reject any action that violates global law and refrain from applying double standards. He pointed out that large countries should not be allowed to attack others, utilizing their military power, and Iran's atomic issue should yet return to the political and diplomatic path. The Chinese side besides expressed the hope that France would stand in an nonsubjective and fair position to mitigate the situation, protecting the basic standards of global relations.
Both ministers agreed on the request to take action to de-escalate, in cooperation with the Gulf States, within the framework set by UN Secretary-General's resolutions and global law. Both ministers besides agreed to proceed a close dialog on this issue.
04.03. The EU proposes a law to accelerate industrial development, geared to abroad participation (including Chinese)
On 4 March, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to increase request for low-carbon technologies and products produced in Europe. Act on Accelerating Industrial improvement (Industrial Accelerator Act) aims to boost production, business improvement and occupation creation in the EU while supporting industry's implementation of cleaner future technologies.
IAA Act introduces targeted and proportionate requirements for products "Made in EU“and/or low-carbon in relation to public procurement and public support programmes. They will apply to selected strategical sectors, in peculiar steel, cement, aluminium, automotive and zero-emission technologies. The Act sets the nonsubjective of expanding the share of manufacturing manufacture in EU GDP to 20% by 2035.
New the conditions will besides apply for abroad direct investment of more than EUR 100 million in batteries, electrical vehicles, solar panels and critical natural materials – with a focus on China.
This law met with criticism of the Chinese side, according to which it aims to defend the EU automotive manufacture from strong competition from China, while at the same time grossly violating the principles of equality and openness in global trade. It is besides a clear manifestation of trade protectionism, contrary to WTO rules saying that associate States cannot adopt any measures discriminating abroad products.
The Chinese side besides stressed that vehicles from the mediate States provided Europeans with an affordable transport option, while the EU should focus on technological innovation or policy optimization in the face of the improvement of the Chinese automotive industry, alternatively than trying to block Chinese cars' access to the marketplace through protectionist measures. It is worth noting that in fresh years Chinese cars, and especially electrical vehicles, have gained large popularity on the European market. In 2025, Chinese car manufacturers sold more than 810,000 vehicles in Europe, an increase of 99 percent compared to 2024.
13.03. Wang-Berendsen telephone call
On 13 March, PRC abroad Minister Wang Yi held telephone call with Dutch abroad Minister Tom Berendsen. Wang Yi congratulated Tom Berendsen on taking up the fresh position and stressed that China and the Netherlands are crucial partners for each other, whose economical and trade cooperation is characterised by complementary advantages and common benefits, while developing cooperation in the spirit of openness and pragmatism serves the common interests of both parties and contributes to the healthy improvement of Chinese-EU relations. The Chinese minister hoped that the fresh Dutch government would show fresh vitality and initiatives, support trade and trade between both countries and encourage the EU institutions to have an nonsubjective and rational view of China, openness and cooperation.
Tom Berendsen said that the fresh Dutch government sees relations with China as 1 of the most crucial bilateral relations and is ready to keep advanced level contacts with the Chinese side, the effective usage of mechanisms specified as political consultations between abroad ministers and the Chinese-Dutch Joint economical and Commercial Committee, strengthening dialog and exchange at all levels, and deepening cooperation, supporting multilateralism and continuously developing an open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation between the Netherlands and China. The Dutch side besides stressed its willingness to play a constructive function in promoting a healthy and unchangeable improvement of the EU-China relationship. Politicians besides exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis.
The Dutch website only provided a short description of this conversation in the form of Post Berendsen profile on X platform. According to this post, Berendsen confirmed China's importance in the Netherlands' policy and stated that the discussion was about deepening the constructive Dutch-Chinese partnership, and that, in the context of the EU-China relationship, relations with the People's Republic of China make both opportunities and challenges.
Relations between China and the Netherlands have deteriorated in fresh months after the Hague court took over the Nexperia chip maker in October 2025 from its Chinese parent company Wingtech.
16.03. EU imposes sanctions on Chinese companies for cyber attacks
On 16 March the European Council adopted restrictive measures against 3 entities and 2 individuals liable for cyber attacks against EU associate States and EU partners.
The Council included the Integrity Technology Group, a Chinese company that regularly supplied products for hacking and accessing equipment in associate States. Between 2022 and 2023, thanks to method and material support, more than 65,000 devices were hacked in six associate States. Similarly, Chinese company Anxun Information Technology provided hacking services aimed at critical infrastructure and critical functions of associate States and 3rd countries. In addition, 2 individuals who are co-founders of the company and were active in cyber attacks on EU associate States have been affected. In addition to Chinese entities, the Iranian company was besides sanctioned. These sanctions included asset frost and the ban on EU citizens and companies making funds available. Natural persons have besides been subject to a ban on entry and transit across the EU. The decision reaffirms the readiness to supply a strong and lasting consequence to persistent cyber attacks in the EU.
Chinese side found the charges unfounded, stressing that sanctions were imposed without a UN mandate. According to Beijing, the EU should adjust its course and return to constructive cooperation with China in order to keep peace, stableness and prosperity in cyberspace, as it called for. spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of abroad Affairs.
23.03. Different views of the Lithuanian Government and president on Taiwanese representation in Vilnius
The issue of Taiwan typical Office in Lithuania has been raised since 2021, erstwhile the dispute over the name of this office broke out between Lithuania and the People's Republic of China. The dispute then turned into a crisis of diplomatic and economical relations. In the second half of 2025 and early 2026, with the arrival of the fresh government, the desire to normalize relations with Beijing was announced, but provided that Lithuania "will not kneel to anyone". The name of the Taiwanese delegation in the Lithuanian capital remains a bone of disagreement. On 23 March this year, there was a discrepancy in the knowing of the relevance of this dispute. Prime Minister of Lithuania Inga Ruginiene said, that the beginning of Taiwanese representation under a functioning name was a mistake which first did not bring any benefit from Taiwan and secondly ruined relations with the People's Republic of China. "We made a major mistake erstwhile we rushed [...] and set up an office under a name that no 1 else in the EU has always utilized before – yet breaking up any, even business relation with China. What did it bring us? Zero benefits from Taiwan and crucial losses from China," Ruginine stated in an interview with Lrytas.lt. Moreover, she added that the subject should be discussed again. She says: “If we shake hands, I know that I am doing everything I can to fulfill my obligations, and I anticipate the same from my partner. I find it unacceptable erstwhile 1 organization makes efforts and the another 1 does not do what she has promised" – accusing Taiwan of instatement and failure to comply with its part of the agreement with Lithuania. The Lithuanian Prime Minister besides explicitly suggested that it is open to changing the name of the Taiwanese office, taking into account the word "Taipej".
The president of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda is of the opinion, sayingthat reopening discussions on the naming of Taiwanese representation may lead to its closure. He stated that the Lithuanian-Taiwan case could be called a mistake, but in the end it is “achievement of Taiwan in relations with another countries. It was a stake that they put into the ground.” Nauseda represents a more firm position vis-à-vis the People's Republic of China, stressing that Lithuania should keep pragmatic relations with China, but cannot accept Beijing conditions at this point. At the end, he addressed Prime Minister Ruginine directly, stating that this should not comment on his statements, which took place all the more so “at a closed meeting”, and that the approval of both Lithuania and Taiwan is essential in the event of a change in the name of the office.
This dispute was besides commented on by the Chinese side, more specifically the “Global Times”, utilizing the opinion of expert Zhao Junjie. He said He stated that president Nauseda, who had been in office since 2019, was prejudiced against China and was willing to compromise his relation with the PRC. In turn, the political environment of Prime Minister Ruginine called it "more pragmatic". In his opinion, the problem lies with the Lithuanian side, which has made a "bad decision" and now it has to solve it itself. Finally, he noted that Lithuania should be the 1 who should be afraid about ending this stalemate.
23-29.03 Delegation of the Ministry of Defence of the PRC to Europe
Delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Defence visited Europe on 23-29 March to participate in a series of organization dialogues. During the visit, the delegation took part in the 15th China-European Union dialog on defence and safety policy, the 9th China-NATO dialog on safety policy and the 15th China-Switzerland dialog on defence policy coordination respectively. The participants in the dialogues held an in-depth exchange of views on the global and regional safety situation.
A key event for China and the EU were the fifteenth yearly safety and defence consultations, which the European Union and China carried out in Brussels. The consultations were co-chaired by Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing manager for Peace, safety and Defence in the European External Action Service of the European Union, and Major General Guo Hongtao, Deputy Head of the Office for global Military Cooperation of China.
During the consultation, the parties exchanged views on Russia's aggression towards Ukraine. The EU recalled its support for Ukraine, stressing that respect for the Charter of the United Nations, and in peculiar the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, remains the basis of any agreement. The EU has besides stated that China's position on this issue continues to influence EU-China relations and called on China to influence Moscow to end the war.
Opinions were besides exchanged on safety issues in Asia and the Pacific, specified as maritime safety in Indo-Pacific, including the East China Sea and South China and the Taiwan Straits. The EU stressed its concern about the expanding tensions in Asia and stressed its commitment to promoting safety and stableness in the region, stressing the work for all parties to respect and implement the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Another subject of discussion was the situation in the mediate East, peculiarly in Iran, which threatens both regional and global stability. The consultation was besides an chance for dialog on non-proliferation, disarmament and space security.
The Chinese side stressed, that the approach of the mediate State to engage in global inflammatory issues is to advance peace talks, and that addressing crucial issues during dialog can show the Western China's commitment to fairness and global justice, confirming that China acts as a global peacemaker. Moreover, it was pointed out that the PRC has consistently maintained military restraint in global conflicts.
25.03. Jetten-Li telephone call
On March 25, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten held the first conversation telephone with its Chinese counterpart – Li Qiang. Jetten reported this through a profile on the X platform, publishing a brief post that shows that "constructive relations with China are crucial to the Netherlands" and that Beijing is on the podium of the Asian trading partners of the Netherlands. The main areas of cooperation that the Netherlands wants to strengthen and make are green transformation, water management and agriculture. As further stated in Jetten's post, the discussion discussed "constructive ties, both bilaterally and between the EU and China", to aid overcome structural challenges between the 2 parties. In addition, the problems of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine were raised, as well as the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and China exchanged views on "the request for open dialog on geoeconomic issues".
Chinese website besides made available note from this event. According to her message, Li stressed the turbulence of modern times and stated that in specified a situation, "it is inactive more crucial that both countries advance cooperation through openness and accomplish results beneficial to both sides through pragmatism". China is so ready to strengthen its relation and coordination with the Netherlands. Moreover, in Beijing's perception, the Netherlands is simply a "important link of Chinese-European cooperation", and Li's hope that the Netherlands will "play an active function in encouraging the EU institutions to see China-European relations and cooperation objectively and rationally". He further added that he hoped that the country under the leadership of Jetten would cooperate with China to decently address the differences and misunderstandings on the Brussels-Pekin line through dialog and consultation, which would keep the unchangeable improvement of Chinese-European relations.
From a Chinese note, you can besides read the words of Jetten, which coincide with the information he gave himself. However, the Dutch Prime Minister's post does not match 1 key issue with the Chinese Communication. This is the subject of the war in Ukraine: the Chinese side did not indicate that the conversation had caught on this issue, ending with the communication by Jetten on the readiness of the Netherlands to "play an active function in promoting dialog and cooperation between the 2 parties".
25.03. Sjoerdsma-Ventao meeting
On the margins of the 14th planet Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference in Jaunde, Cameroon, Chinese Trade Minister Wang Wentao had the chance meet March 25 with the fresh Minister of Commerce of the Netherlands Sjoerdem Sjoerdsma. This event deviates from the standard meetings between Chinese and European counterparts due to the fact that Sjoerdsma has been on the Chinese sanctioning list since 2021. It besides made him an undesirable individual in the People's Republic of China. In the Dutch interior policy, the swearing-in of a individual bearing specified a mark was subject to reasonable criticism, especially as China is 1 of the main trading partners for the Netherlands. Sjoerdsma's sanctioning by the Chinese resulted from his critical voice in the context of Chinese policy against the Uighur minority: Sjoerdsma referred to it as “genocide”, besides calling on the Dutch Parliament to adopt a law in this regard.
Nevertheless, the situation with the restrictions imposed on the Dutch minister is likely to have changed either as a consequence of the conversation or earlier arrangements. Sjoerdsma split through Platform X, that he had a "constructive conversation" with Wentao, during which the issues of Dutch-Chinese partnership, trade, investment and WTO improvement were discussed. In the next sentence, he pointed out that the next conversation with his Chinese counterpart would take place in China and that he would lead the Dutch trade mission in that country. He besides confirmed that the Netherlands expresses its commitment to "a balanced relation that serves our common interests while maintaining open dialog in the event of differences of views".
26.03 gathering of Wentao-Šefčovič
26 March Minister for Trade Wang Wentao met with EU Commissioner for Trade and economical Security, Maroš Šefčovič, during the 14th Ministerial Conference of the planet Trade Organisation in Jaunde, Cameroon. Both sides exchanged views on WTO improvement and economical and trade relations between China and the EU. The gathering was besides attended by Ambassador Li Yongzhe, China's permanent typical to the WTO.
Wang stressed that both sides are supporters and active players of the multilateral trading strategy and should work together to advance applicable results in areas specified as WTO reforms, investment facilitation and e-commerce agreements, helping all parties, especially developing countries, to better integrate into the multilateral trading strategy and reap greater benefits from cooperation. The Chinese side besides indicated that China and the EU should strengthen dialog and communication, as well as set an example in compliance with the Most Privilege Clause (MFN) and expressed concern about the abuse of industrial policy and the violation of subsidies discipline by any WTO members.
Chinese Minister He hoped that the EU would see China's improvement rationally and objectively, and that the EU would ease the control of exports of high-tech products and refrain from politicising or utilizing economical and commercial issues as weapons. Beijing is afraid about a number of protectionist economical and commercial instruments introduced by the EU in fresh years, in peculiar the abroad Subsidies Regulation, the draft amendment of the Cybersecurity Act and the Act on Accelerating Industrial Development, which undoubtedly affects economical and trade cooperation between China and the EU and the stableness of the supply chain. He besides pointed out that China was willing to actively increase imports from the EU and to deal adequately with issues raised through dialog and consultation.
Šefčovič stated that the EU and China share a broad consensus on WTO improvement and that Europe is willing to cooperate with China to adapt to the changing situation. Moreover, the EU is ready to strengthen its relations with China, resolve disputes and guarantee the continued improvement of bilateral economical and trade cooperation. The Commissioner besides invited Wang to visit the EU office to have comprehensive and in-depth discussions on bilateral economical and trade relations between the EU and China.
Both parties agreed to set up a working group on trade and investment and to proceed the dialog on export control.
27.03. EU investigation into grain oriented electrical steel
27 March European Commission published message, in which it announced the initiation of an investigation to find ‘if safeguard measures are needed for Union producers of grain oriented electrotechnical sheets’ (Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel, GOES). This steel product is utilized in electrical equipment specified as electromagnetic transformers for electricity transmission. The work of these transformers is utilized in both factories and private households. The GOES in this case are essential for European energy security. European producers of this commodity face "unprecedented difficulties in the face of advanced import force from 3rd countries – and in peculiar China – which is driven by an expanding global overcapacity", says the European Commission. To be more precise, according to data GOES steel imports increased by 109%, comparing 2021 to the period from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, representing 91,362 tonnes and 191,056 tonnes respectively. The scope of the Union investigation besides included steel and core sheets stacked or wound (steel laminates and cores, SLC). The increase in imports was besides recorded at 82% over the same period.
That is why the Commission has decided to look at this. If the investigation confirms the injury caused by the over-importation (mainly Chinese), it will be able to implement safeguard measures, subject to their designation as beneficial to the interests of the European Union. However, in order for specified measures to enter into force, it is essential to get a qualified majority of the block associate States. In the case of provisional safeguard measures, they may be imposed if the investigation after a period of 4 or 5 months demonstrates compliance with the applicable conditions. Following provisional measures, the definitive measures shall enter into force within 200 days but not later than 9 months or eleven after the initiation of the proceeding.
Finally, the Communication states that ‘the GOES are already subject to anti-dumping measures on imports from 5 producing countries (China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States) and are not subject to a safeguard measurement on steel or to a proposal for post-protection measures on steel imports’. It can be suspected that the next six months will show the request to impose safeguard measures on imports of this product from the People's Republic of China, as has been the case in many another cases in the past.
