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Xiaofei Xu
Reporter, Political Economy
Xiaofei joined SCMP in 2025 after four years at CNN's Paris bureau where he covered the rise of far-right forces in France, the economic fallout of the war in Ukraine and many other subjects. Xiaofei has a master's degree in French History from the University of Chicago.
Xiaofei joined SCMP in 2025 after four years at CNN's Paris bureau where he covered the rise of far-right forces in France, the economic fallout of the war in Ukraine and many other subjects. Xiaofei has a master's degree in French History from the University of Chicago.
Areas of Expertise:
French economy and politicsLanguages Spoken:
Cantonese, English, French, Mandarin
Beijing frames the measures as a ‘restrained’ response to the US’ recent sanctions and robot import ban, but warns of potential further actions.
Although many analysts deem the search long overdue, they warn that German leverage would be both hard to implement and short-lived.
As Western governments move to end dependence on world’s top producer, analysts warn rapid decoupling could drive up costs and derail projects.
The Hangzhou-based firm will launch its listing in Shanghai next week, as a string of Chinese robotics start-ups pursue plans to go public.
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Chinese makers drive into upmarket segment and catch up with foreign peers in design and engine development.
The French luxury brand has also seen persisting positive momentum in China for Hennessy cognac since the 2026 Chinese New Year.
Beijing also rejects allegations that Chinese companies trained local AI models on American systems.
Ministry of Commerce action follows a new round of EU sanctions on Russia that affected 14 firms from mainland China and Hong Kong.
Commerce officials decry “discriminatory” barriers as source says firm had hired several outside consultants to vet goods and curb counterfeits.
Country’s new prime minister has launched an investigation into the Chinese electric vehicle giant’s investment in Hungary.
The European Commission has launched an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese duck meat after local producers raised alarms over surging low-cost imports from China disrupting their market.
The e-commerce firm described the fine as ‘disproportionate’ and said it did not reflect ‘significant, proactive enhancements’ it undertook.
Both nations call on Brussels to strengthen its defences as EU adds US$1.14 billion a day to its China trade shortfall, while losing jobs.
New regulations will help EU produce electric vehicles at a price point to match China, but European job losses would be among trade-offs.
Air China says it will purchase 15 widebody A350-900 jets, while subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines will buy 40 narrowbody A320neo aircraft.
Food security and trade ministers have already visited this year, with another, by Economy Minister Heleen Herbert, under consideration.
The French luxury brand is suing the government body as it faces backlash over a trademark dispute with a Chinese milk tea chain.
It marks the first time the Gold Award has been given for workwear design in its 11-year history.
Five European duck producers allege that Chinese counterparts exporting Pekin ducks benefit from state subsidies, cheap feed and other policy support.
US president threatened to cut off trade with Spain over its defence policy, but Madrid says relations are ‘calm’ and ‘positive’.
Wang Wentao meets Sjoerd Sjoerdsma amid ASML export limits and Nexperia debacle, with calls for secure chip supply chains and broader EU-China market access.
At the 2026 Machina Summit, European executives identify severe data training bottlenecks as a major obstacle – and urge policymakers to act.
The bloc says that pricing by the companies had created ‘economically non-viable’ conditions for its local firms.
Minister is accompanied by representatives from 17 Dutch companies from sectors including logistics, agriculture and hi-tech.
At France’s annual economic forum, Europe’s economic and political leaders addressed the continent’s problems – and what to do about them.
The EU can learn from China’s tech knowledge and speed capability in both renewable and nuclear power sectors.
America’s need for inverters is growing amid boom in renewable energy demand driven by AI race – and China is the dominant global supplier.
Prominent French economist warns that Europe must reach strategic pact with Beijing and enact structural reforms as global order enters volatile era.
Two high-level meetings show that Beijing is aware of economic imbalances as Politburo prepares high-stakes growth assessment next month.
