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/ 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

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas ahead of their meeting in Brussels in July 2025. Photo: Reuters

China-EU relations

Exclusive | Top EU diplomat Kallas expected to visit Beijing amid deepest strains in years

It will be Kaja Kallas’ first solo trip to China since taking on her role in 2024.

1 Aug 2026 - 2:57PMvideocam

European Union

New EU team to crack down on AI deepfakes, illicit images and hacking

31 Jul 2026 - 6:39PMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU-China trade: Beijing turns the screws as Brussels tests limits of restraint

31 Jul 2026 - 5:00PM

China-EU relations

Sino-German auto talks focus on smart EV standards amid trade tensions

The push for cooperation comes as Chinese carmakers seek to validate their driverless technology in European markets.

31 Jul 2026 - 5:23PM

The assembly line for smart EVs at Geely’s Automotive Manufacturing Base in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, on December 12, 2024. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

China exports

China-made vessel carries record EVs in shipment from Shanghai to Europe

A new China-made roll-on, roll-off carrier set a new domestic record for number of vehicles shipped in one voyage.

28 Jul 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

China technology

Open Questions | Nobel laureate Simon Johnson on the AI race and China’s ‘over-automation’ risks

The Nobel Prize-winning economist discusses how AI is reshaping US-China competition – and poses unique challenges for both economies.

27 Jul 2026 - 9:51AMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU waters down Russia sanctions over fears China could seize key LNG assets

Bloc concludes banning Greek companies from transporting Russian gas to third countries may hand strategic shipping advantages to Beijing.

24 Jul 2026 - 1:44AMvideocam

The Sun Arrows tanker loads its cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the port of Prigorodnoye, Russia. The EU has watered down sanctions on Moscow amid fears that China could seize crucial LNG assets. Photo: AP

European Union

EU fines Google US$1 billion, risking US fury

The fines are the biggest in total against one company under the competition law known as the Digital Markets Act.

23 Jul 2026 - 6:32PMvideocam

China-EU relations

Beijing vows to protect Chinese firms after EU hits Alibaba unit with fine

Commerce officials decry “discriminatory” barriers as source says firm had hired several outside consultants to vet goods and curb counterfeits.

22 Jul 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Alibaba

Alibaba vows to appeal US$629m EU fine for breaches of Digital Services Act

The e-commerce firm described the fine as ‘disproportionate’ and said it did not reflect ‘significant, proactive enhancements’ it undertook.

21 Jul 2026 - 12:04AM

The AliExpress app icon is seen on a smartphone screen. Photo: Shutterstock Images

China-EU relations

Can Europe win a trade war with China? It may depend on how victory is defined

Brussels is increasingly determined to ensure core industries survive if confrontation with Beijing proves unavoidable.

20 Jul 2026 - 10:56PMvideocam

Some in Brussels believe the trade war is already under way. Photo: Shutterstock

European Union

EU fines AliExpress US$630 million over illegal products

It is the largest fine ever imposed under the EU’s powerful Digital Services Act, part of the bloc’s legal armoury to police big tech.

20 Jul 2026 - 7:25PMvideocam

European Union

France and Germany reach nuclear deal as Europe builds up defences

France is the only nuclear power in the 27-member EU, while Germany plans to build Europe’s strongest conventional military by 2039.

19 Jul 2026 - 6:32PM

Science

China team cuts 3D optical chip production time from hours to seconds

New fabrication method speeds up production time for photonic chips via parallel processing technology.

19 Jul 2026 - 2:19PMvideocam

Photonic chips are at the centre of the race to develop next-gen AI hardware. Photo: Getty Images

Electric & new energy vehicles

Europe’s carmakers plan a comeback – powered by EU policies and Chinese tech

New regulations will help EU produce electric vehicles at a price point to match China, but European job losses would be among trade-offs.

21 Jul 2026 - 3:17PMvideocam

Ukraine war

Is Europe’s anti-missile move with Ukraine ‘insurance’ against unpredictable US?

Europe is ‘quietly planning for the day it might have to stand on its own’ while aligning with US calls to do more on defence, analysts say.

17 Jul 2026 - 3:10PM

China exports

Feeling the heat? As China exports soar, Europe’s ports are congested

Amid heatwaves, strikes and surging import volumes, strains on the transport network are causing frequent logistics bottlenecks.

15 Jul 2026 - 4:00PM

European Union

Gibraltar and Spain end border checks in historic UK-EU treaty

Land border at ‘The Rock’ is eliminated, ending routine checks for thousands of daily cross-border travellers.

15 Jul 2026 - 12:20PM

Workers dismantle a Spanish border checkpoint in La Linea de la Concepcion with the iconic Rock of Gibraltar in the background. Photo: AP

Hong Kong

Letters | Hong Kong’s very own font would be a genuine world first

Readers discuss a craft-intensive investment that says Hong Kong believes in its future, the city’s focus on university rankings, and a World Cup red card scandal.

14 Jul 2026 - 11:30AM

Yuan

London Clearing House accepts dim sum bonds as non-cash collateral

Bank of China led the roll-out of the yuan-denominated assets, with three of its overseas units executing the first transactions.

14 Jul 2026 - 6:06PM

Middle East

EU countries push for trade ban with Israeli settlements

EU foreign policy chief insists measures target West Bank settlements rather than Israel itself.

14 Jul 2026 - 2:12PM

Israeli officers stand in front of Palestinians during a protest against a new Israeli settlement in the village of Deir Abu Mishal, near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Photo: Reuters

European Union

EU eyes social media curbs for children

Australia, Britain, China, India and the United States have already imposed a social media ban or are ‌considering ‌one.

13 Jul 2026 - 7:34PM

A teenager looks at her smartphone in Brussels. The EU is considering a tiered approach, with under-13s only allowed to use social media for limited periods under the supervision of parents, carers and teachers. Photo: AFP

Extreme weather

Europe recorded 10,000 excess deaths in late-June heatwave

Official mortality tracking reveals a spike in fatalities in older people as extreme heat engulfed continent.

13 Jul 2026 - 1:59PM

China-EU relations

China’s car shipments to EU surge, but could be nearing peak: European analysts

The rapid ascent of Chinese car brands in Europe could be nearing a turning point as both the EU and Germany consider protectionist measures.

12 Jul 2026 - 3:00PM

United States

My Take | If anyone deserves a red card it’s Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino

If this World Cup is to be remembered as the best ever, it will be in spite of their efforts, not because of them.

11 Jul 2026 - 10:46PM

US President Donald Trump holds up a Fifa red card that bears his name, given to him by the association’s president Gianni Infantino (left) during their meeting at the White House in Washington on August 28, 2018. File photo: EPA-EFE

Nato

1 revolver, 6 bullets: Turkish president’s ‘unusual’ gift to Nato leaders

Bring it home? Leave it in Turkey? Their delegations puzzled over what to do with the gun and live ammunition from Erdogan.

10 Jul 2026 - 9:46AM

A revolver given to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, with the president’s name engraved on it, is displayed during a press presentation in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photo: Office of the Lithuanian President via AFP

China-EU relations

How the rush for Chinese air conditioners exposes gap in EU trade policy

As a record heatwave drives Europeans to snap up imported cooling units, Brussels’ rhetoric clashes with consumer reality.

10 Jul 2026 - 9:12AMvideocam

Fifa

World Cup integrity questioned as Trump, Fifa defend Balogun suspension actions

Belgium’s football federation challenged Fifa’s ruling to overturn a ban on the US forward, who was cleared to play on Monday.

7 Jul 2026 - 5:40AMvideocam

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Belgium

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | Top EU diplomat Kallas expected to visit Beijing amid deepest strains in years

It will be Kaja Kallas’ first solo trip to China since taking on her role in 2024.

New EU team to crack down on AI deepfakes, illicit images and hacking

EU-China trade: Beijing turns the screws as Brussels tests limits of restraint

Sino-German auto talks focus on smart EV standards amid trade tensions

The push for cooperation comes as Chinese carmakers seek to validate their driverless technology in European markets.

China-made vessel carries record EVs in shipment from Shanghai to Europe

A new China-made roll-on, roll-off carrier set a new domestic record for number of vehicles shipped in one voyage.

Open Questions | Nobel laureate Simon Johnson on the AI race and China’s ‘over-automation’ risks

The Nobel Prize-winning economist discusses how AI is reshaping US-China competition – and poses unique challenges for both economies.

EU waters down Russia sanctions over fears China could seize key LNG assets

Bloc concludes banning Greek companies from transporting Russian gas to third countries may hand strategic shipping advantages to Beijing.

EU fines Google US$1 billion, risking US fury

The fines are the biggest in total against one company under the competition law known as the Digital Markets Act.

Beijing vows to protect Chinese firms after EU hits Alibaba unit with fine

Commerce officials decry “discriminatory” barriers as source says firm had hired several outside consultants to vet goods and curb counterfeits.

Alibaba vows to appeal US$629m EU fine for breaches of Digital Services Act

The e-commerce firm described the fine as ‘disproportionate’ and said it did not reflect ‘significant, proactive enhancements’ it undertook.

Can Europe win a trade war with China? It may depend on how victory is defined

Brussels is increasingly determined to ensure core industries survive if confrontation with Beijing proves unavoidable.

EU fines AliExpress US$630 million over illegal products

It is the largest fine ever imposed under the EU’s powerful Digital Services Act, part of the bloc’s legal armoury to police big tech.

France and Germany reach nuclear deal as Europe builds up defences

France is the only nuclear power in the 27-member EU, while Germany plans to build Europe’s strongest conventional military by 2039.

China team cuts 3D optical chip production time from hours to seconds

New fabrication method speeds up production time for photonic chips via parallel processing technology.

Europe’s carmakers plan a comeback – powered by EU policies and Chinese tech

New regulations will help EU produce electric vehicles at a price point to match China, but European job losses would be among trade-offs.

Is Europe’s anti-missile move with Ukraine ‘insurance’ against unpredictable US?

Europe is ‘quietly planning for the day it might have to stand on its own’ while aligning with US calls to do more on defence, analysts say.

Feeling the heat? As China exports soar, Europe’s ports are congested

Amid heatwaves, strikes and surging import volumes, strains on the transport network are causing frequent logistics bottlenecks.

Gibraltar and Spain end border checks in historic UK-EU treaty

Land border at ‘The Rock’ is eliminated, ending routine checks for thousands of daily cross-border travellers.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Letters | Hong Kong’s very own font would be a genuine world first

Readers discuss a craft-intensive investment that says Hong Kong believes in its future, the city’s focus on university rankings, and a World Cup red card scandal.

London Clearing House accepts dim sum bonds as non-cash collateral

Bank of China led the roll-out of the yuan-denominated assets, with three of its overseas units executing the first transactions.

EU countries push for trade ban with Israeli settlements

EU foreign policy chief insists measures target West Bank settlements rather than Israel itself.

EU eyes social media curbs for children

Australia, Britain, China, India and the United States have already imposed a social media ban or are ‌considering ‌one.

Europe recorded 10,000 excess deaths in late-June heatwave

Official mortality tracking reveals a spike in fatalities in older people as extreme heat engulfed continent.

China’s car shipments to EU surge, but could be nearing peak: European analysts

The rapid ascent of Chinese car brands in Europe could be nearing a turning point as both the EU and Germany consider protectionist measures.

My Take | If anyone deserves a red card it’s Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino

If this World Cup is to be remembered as the best ever, it will be in spite of their efforts, not because of them.

1 revolver, 6 bullets: Turkish president’s ‘unusual’ gift to Nato leaders

Bring it home? Leave it in Turkey? Their delegations puzzled over what to do with the gun and live ammunition from Erdogan.

How the rush for Chinese air conditioners exposes gap in EU trade policy

As a record heatwave drives Europeans to snap up imported cooling units, Brussels’ rhetoric clashes with consumer reality.

World Cup integrity questioned as Trump, Fifa defend Balogun suspension actions

Belgium’s football federation challenged Fifa’s ruling to overturn a ban on the US forward, who was cleared to play on Monday.

Exclusive | Top EU diplomat Kallas expected to visit Beijing amid deepest strains in years

Letters | Hong Kong’s very own font would be a genuine world first