TOPIC

/ location

Belgium

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Belgium. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Brussels

Head of State

King Philippe

Head of Government

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo

China-EU relations

EU hits ‘make-or-break moment’ as divided leaders confront ‘China shock 2.0’

EU member states poised to confront internal divisions and launch aggressive trade defences against systemic threat posed by Beijing.

18 Jun 2026 - 10:17AMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU nations ready to battle ‘China Shock 2.0’ with tough new strategy

18 Jun 2026 - 2:29AMvideocam

China-EU relations

Why Europe’s fight against a ‘China shock 2.0’ could end before it even begins

17 Jun 2026 - 9:14AMvideocam

European Union

EU bows to Trump pressure on tariffs but warns of future chaos

Trump has threatened ‘much higher’ levies if the EU does not remove import duties on US industrial goods by July 4.

16 Jun 2026 - 9:25PM

Members of the European Parliament take part in an electronic vote on the adjustment of customs duties and opening of tariff quotas for the import of certain US goods in Strasbourg on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

China-EU relations

Europe is blaming China’s economic rise for its own failures, think tank says

It comes as Beijing reportedly cancelled two meetings with the EU this month, and as the bloc prepares for key talks on China policy.

12 Jun 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

China-EU relations

Have trade tensions scuppered EU-China talks ahead of tough Brussels decisions?

June 23 meeting in Beijing postponed without warning as bilateral ties deteriorate on a near-daily basis.

11 Jun 2026 - 5:39PMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU needs a ‘dedicated instrument’ to unwind China dependencies, trade chief says

The bloc may force companies to diversify their suppliers, after Beijing’s use of export controls put pressure on EU industry.

6 Jun 2026 - 3:23PMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU trade chief swipes at China overcapacity, but vows ‘meaningful’ discussions

Maros Sefcovic made the remarks after meeting China’s chief trade negotiator, but says both sides are focused on mutual success.

5 Jun 2026 - 12:06AM

China-EU relations

EU, China hold talks as trade war looms

China trade envoy Li Chenggang is to meet EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic to set up a platform for discussing trade and investment as Europe considers a tougher approach to stem a flood of low-cost Chinese imports.

4 Jun 2026 - 5:01PM

China trade

Why China is defending industrial subsidies against ‘one-sided’ OECD report

The dispute comes as industrial policy becomes a major point of contention in global trade, particularly in hi-tech and strategic sectors.

4 Jun 2026 - 5:00PM

Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry, answers questions from journalists. Photo: dpa

China-EU relations

Exclusive | EU and China set for Paris talks this week as trade war fears mount

Bloc puts ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach to test in high-stakes meeting with Beijing’s international trade envoy on sidelines of OECD meeting.

3 Jun 2026 - 8:55PMvideocam

While there is acknowledgement in the EU of the growing quality of Chinese exporters, concern remains that it is tainted by unfair trading practices that make competition impossible for European firms. Photo: AFP

China-EU relations

As EU mulls trade tools, China vows to take steps against any new restrictions

While warning of retaliation against ‘new trade instruments’, Beijing says China-EU communication channels remain open.

31 May 2026 - 8:32PMvideocam

China-EU relations

Brussels agrees on tougher China trade policy, as Beijing vows retaliation

Trade chief details why bloc needs to take stronger steps to defend itself from what is described as a new ‘China shock’ to its industries.

30 May 2026 - 1:06AMvideocam

China-EU relations

JD.com’s US$2.6 billion bid for Germany’s Ceconomy faces deeper EU scrutiny

European Commission launches in-depth investigation under Foreign Subsidies Regulation in latest instance of Brussels-Beijing tensions.

28 May 2026 - 11:53PM

A European Union flag flies outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium in February. Photo: Reuters

China-EU relations

EU heavyweights back industrial accelerator as China shock fears grow

Highlighting urgency, bloc’s major members offer qualified support of legislative proposal that has deepened tensions with Beijing.

28 May 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Adolfo Urso, Italy’s business minister, urges the EU to move quickly and pass the Industrial Accelerator Act. Photo: EPA

China-EU relations

Europe plans tougher response to China Shock 2.0

EU officials will discuss new trade protection measures at a meeting on Friday as the continent’s companies contend with a deluge of Chinese imports.

28 May 2026 - 5:00PM

European Union

‘Extremely violent’: 2 students among 4 dead in Belgium after train hits school bus

Belgium, ⁠where a dense railway network criss-crosses towns and villages, has a history of accidents at level crossings.

26 May 2026 - 9:49PM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Paul Chan’s trip just one step in strengthening relations with Europe

Hong Kong must continue to build on the finance secretary’s visit to highlight the city’s financial strengths and ease concerns over money laundering.

26 May 2026 - 7:15AM

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po walks down a street in Paris. Photo: Handout

China-EU relations

Major EU countries push for tougher China policy ahead of Brussels debate

Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France and Lithuania call for more aggressive response to ‘systemic and structural industrial overcapacity’.

25 May 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s Paul Chan urges closer Europe ties, dialogue to work out differences

Finance chief says opportunities exist to tap city’s capital markets, while acknowledging concerns over trade imbalances.

24 May 2026 - 7:55PM

China-EU relations

China’s commerce chief Wang Wentao expected in Brussels on June 29-30: sources

As trade differences continue to bite between Beijing and the European Union, could a face-to-face meeting help to ease tensions?

22 May 2026 - 2:04PMvideocam

Clashes between the European Union and China have grown louder in recent weeks, as the EU embarks on new policies designed to counter the shock to its industrial base. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

US foreign affairs chairman warns of China role in Argentina contract bid

Brian Mast’s letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concerns an auction for a contract to dredge and operate Argentina’s Parana River.

22 May 2026 - 4:46AM

A dredging boat of the Luxembourg-based company Jan De Nul sprays sand at the shore on the Parana river near Rosario, Argentina. Photo: Reuters

China-EU relations

Chinese investment in Europe surges to 7-year high despite rising trade tensions

But study warns that new project pipeline appears to be drying up, as Chinese investors face pressure from both Beijing and Brussels.

20 May 2026 - 5:04PMvideocam

China-EU relations

China’s firms in Europe chose to save on legal services. Will it cost them?

Chinese companies, often reluctant to pay for legal services, are encountering greater compliance issues as they expand into a stricter EU.

19 May 2026 - 9:02AMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong finance chief woos French wealth managers as European tour starts

Paul Chan, who arrived in Paris on Monday, met representatives of French asset management association and think tank Asia Centre in Paris, sources say.

19 May 2026 - 8:30AM

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po in Paris. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s Paul Chan is heading to Europe. So what’s on the itinerary?

Finance chief’s trip announced on Sunday and follows easing of tensions after US President Donald Trump visited mainland China.

17 May 2026 - 10:10PM

Financial Secretary Paul Chan’s trip will take him to Paris, Brussels and Zurich. Photo: Handout

China-EU relations

Beijing invokes legal blockade against EU investigation into Nuctech

The Ministry of Commerce condemned Brussels for escalating the probe, accusing the bloc of coercing Chinese banking institutions.

16 May 2026 - 6:05PM

European Union

EU won’t ban LGBTQ ‘conversion therapy’ but will push states to act

Such bans already exist in eight of the EU’s 27 nations.

13 May 2026 - 9:18PM

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW

Belgium

EU hits ‘make-or-break moment’ as divided leaders confront ‘China shock 2.0’

EU member states poised to confront internal divisions and launch aggressive trade defences against systemic threat posed by Beijing.

EU nations ready to battle ‘China Shock 2.0’ with tough new strategy

Why Europe’s fight against a ‘China shock 2.0’ could end before it even begins

EU bows to Trump pressure on tariffs but warns of future chaos

Trump has threatened ‘much higher’ levies if the EU does not remove import duties on US industrial goods by July 4.

Europe is blaming China’s economic rise for its own failures, think tank says

It comes as Beijing reportedly cancelled two meetings with the EU this month, and as the bloc prepares for key talks on China policy.

Have trade tensions scuppered EU-China talks ahead of tough Brussels decisions?

June 23 meeting in Beijing postponed without warning as bilateral ties deteriorate on a near-daily basis.

EU needs a ‘dedicated instrument’ to unwind China dependencies, trade chief says

The bloc may force companies to diversify their suppliers, after Beijing’s use of export controls put pressure on EU industry.

EU trade chief swipes at China overcapacity, but vows ‘meaningful’ discussions

Maros Sefcovic made the remarks after meeting China’s chief trade negotiator, but says both sides are focused on mutual success.

EU, China hold talks as trade war looms

China trade envoy Li Chenggang is to meet EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic to set up a platform for discussing trade and investment as Europe considers a tougher approach to stem a flood of low-cost Chinese imports.

Why China is defending industrial subsidies against ‘one-sided’ OECD report

The dispute comes as industrial policy becomes a major point of contention in global trade, particularly in hi-tech and strategic sectors.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | EU and China set for Paris talks this week as trade war fears mount

Bloc puts ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach to test in high-stakes meeting with Beijing’s international trade envoy on sidelines of OECD meeting.

As EU mulls trade tools, China vows to take steps against any new restrictions

While warning of retaliation against ‘new trade instruments’, Beijing says China-EU communication channels remain open.

Brussels agrees on tougher China trade policy, as Beijing vows retaliation

Trade chief details why bloc needs to take stronger steps to defend itself from what is described as a new ‘China shock’ to its industries.

JD.com’s US$2.6 billion bid for Germany’s Ceconomy faces deeper EU scrutiny

European Commission launches in-depth investigation under Foreign Subsidies Regulation in latest instance of Brussels-Beijing tensions.

EU heavyweights back industrial accelerator as China shock fears grow

Highlighting urgency, bloc’s major members offer qualified support of legislative proposal that has deepened tensions with Beijing.

Europe plans tougher response to China Shock 2.0

EU officials will discuss new trade protection measures at a meeting on Friday as the continent’s companies contend with a deluge of Chinese imports.

‘Extremely violent’: 2 students among 4 dead in Belgium after train hits school bus

Belgium, ⁠where a dense railway network criss-crosses towns and villages, has a history of accidents at level crossings.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Paul Chan’s trip just one step in strengthening relations with Europe

Hong Kong must continue to build on the finance secretary’s visit to highlight the city’s financial strengths and ease concerns over money laundering.

Major EU countries push for tougher China policy ahead of Brussels debate

Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France and Lithuania call for more aggressive response to ‘systemic and structural industrial overcapacity’.

Hong Kong’s Paul Chan urges closer Europe ties, dialogue to work out differences

Finance chief says opportunities exist to tap city’s capital markets, while acknowledging concerns over trade imbalances.

China’s commerce chief Wang Wentao expected in Brussels on June 29-30: sources

As trade differences continue to bite between Beijing and the European Union, could a face-to-face meeting help to ease tensions?

US foreign affairs chairman warns of China role in Argentina contract bid

Brian Mast’s letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concerns an auction for a contract to dredge and operate Argentina’s Parana River.

Chinese investment in Europe surges to 7-year high despite rising trade tensions

But study warns that new project pipeline appears to be drying up, as Chinese investors face pressure from both Beijing and Brussels.

China’s firms in Europe chose to save on legal services. Will it cost them?

Chinese companies, often reluctant to pay for legal services, are encountering greater compliance issues as they expand into a stricter EU.

Hong Kong finance chief woos French wealth managers as European tour starts

Paul Chan, who arrived in Paris on Monday, met representatives of French asset management association and think tank Asia Centre in Paris, sources say.

Hong Kong’s Paul Chan is heading to Europe. So what’s on the itinerary?

Finance chief’s trip announced on Sunday and follows easing of tensions after US President Donald Trump visited mainland China.

Beijing invokes legal blockade against EU investigation into Nuctech

The Ministry of Commerce condemned Brussels for escalating the probe, accusing the bloc of coercing Chinese banking institutions.

EU won’t ban LGBTQ ‘conversion therapy’ but will push states to act

Such bans already exist in eight of the EU’s 27 nations.

Exclusive | EU and China set for Paris talks this week as trade war fears mount

Editorial | Paul Chan’s trip just one step in strengthening relations with Europe