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Wang Wentao

The latest news on Chinese politician Wang Wentao, including political stories and updates.

Born

May 1964

Industry

Politics

Job Title

Minister of Commerce, China

China-EU relations

China-EU progress, Xi touts ‘global influence’, Nato summit

This week: China signals openness to cutting EU trade gap, President Xi hails Communist Party’s ‘significant global influence’ and factory activity returns to expansion. Next week: Nato summit takes place in Turkey, US moves towards new tariffs, Kung Fu Soccer may hit the screens, and more.

3 Jul 2026 - 5:02PM

China-EU relations

Exclusive | China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stance

3 Jul 2026 - 5:11AM

China-EU relations

European firms ‘becoming more reliant on China, not less’: EU chamber chief

2 Jul 2026 - 2:20PM

China-UK relations

UK trade secretary hosts Chinese delegation in bid to boost services

Peter Kyle and China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will launch an initiative to support UK businesses expanding their exports into China.

1 Jul 2026 - 6:27AM

Britain’s Trade Secretary Peter Kyle outside 10 Downing Street in London. Photo: EPA

China-EU relations

EU seeks ‘tangible results’ on China trade deficit by October

Hopes of progress in paring the EU’s trade deficit with China by autumn will mean overcoming some seemingly insurmountable barriers.

30 Jun 2026 - 5:00PM

China-EU relations

China-EU joint statement on trade

China and the European Union issued a rare joint statement confirming the launch of a ministerial-level platform to ease bilateral economic tensions.

30 Jun 2026 - 2:47PM

China-EU relations

EU sets China October deadline for ‘tangible results’ after key trade talks

Marathon session in Brussels sees Beijing agreeing to establish a ‘joint monitoring mechanism of trade flows’ to help ease economic tensions.

30 Jun 2026 - 2:12AMvideocam

EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic speaks to the press following a meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Brussels on Monday. Photo: EPA

China-EU relations

EU confronts ‘China shock’ ahead of pivotal Brussels trade talks

There is a growing sense Europe will have to learn to ‘live with’ Beijing’s economic model, which it accuses of undercutting its industries.

29 Jun 2026 - 3:07PMvideocam

US-China tech war

Tech giant ASML joins China trade trip even amid US risk to sales

Europe’s most valuable company is seeking to boost sales in China while its home government works to fend off tougher export controls from the US.

25 Jun 2026 - 5:10PM

US-China trade war

Exclusive | Dutch semiconductor giants join delegation to China as US pushes curbs: source

The Netherlands has protested Washington’s proposed Match Act, which would further curtail its semiconductor firms’ business in China.

24 Jun 2026 - 5:32PM

China-EU relations

EU leaders ask Brussels to come up with new trade weapons to counter China shock

Late-night meeting ends with instruction to officials to engage with Beijing while preparing tools to defend Europe’s economy.

19 Jun 2026 - 7:23PMvideocam

Batches of four-wheel all-terrain vehicles and electric off-road motorcycles are rolling off production lines in China for delivery to European and American markets. Photo: Getty Images

China-EU relations

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

Brussels currently lacks the firepower to win a trade clash with China – and Beijing is not in a mood to make concessions, analysts warn.

17 Jun 2026 - 9:14AMvideocam

China-EU relations

Outside In | Europe blaming China for trade imbalance ignores its own policy failures

How are Beijing’s successful industrial policies any different from those used by Europe, the US or the ‘Asian tigers’ in the past?

5 Jun 2026 - 6:25PMvideocam

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

European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic, seen in May, says the EU is seeking “meaningful and sustainable" discussions with Beijing. Photo: pool via AP

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

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

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

European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic is expected to ramp up safeguard measures in sectors that are under severe pressure from Chinese overcapacity. Photo: Reuters

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

China trade

Exclusive | China’s date with Dutch trade minister on cards for early July: source

The Netherlands’ trade chief and his delegation will come at a pivotal diplomatic moment, as The Hague faces pressure from US tech-export laws.

27 May 2026 - 8:25PMvideocam

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

France’s position is well-known, with President Emmanuel Macron on Friday calling for a European “Section 301 tool”. Photo: Reuters

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

China trade

Asia-Pacific trade risks loom large as Apec official warns of protectionism

China is urged to evolve as a world buyer, ahead of ministers’ gathering in Suzhou where a raft of far-reaching trade issues will be discussed.

21 May 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Rare earths

Australia to force investors with China ties to divest from rare earths company

The company will force divestment from two individuals and four companies due to Chinese affiliation.

18 May 2026 - 6:59PM

China exports

Australian trade minister to visit China to secure fuel during Iran war crunch

Beijing tightened jet fuel exports after the war broke out, forcing Canberra to seek alternative suppliers.

15 May 2026 - 6:20PMvideocam

Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell attends a press conference following a meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in May 2023, in Beijing. Photo:

2026 Xi-Trump summits

The longest day – how the Xi-Trump summit reset China-US ties in 12 hours

The two leaders follow a morning of talks with a tour of the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet.

14 May 2026 - 8:41PMvideocam

Children welcome US President Donald Trump as he arrives with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

US-EU relations

Netherlands opposes US proposal to further bar chip giant ASML from China market

While the chipmaking-gear giant is already banned from selling advanced kit to China, new rule would make low-end products off-limits too.

13 May 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

China-EU relations

Exclusive | EU sounds out industry over new trade weapon against China’s overcapacity

Brussels is polling business groups ahead of commissioners’ meeting but few details of the proposed instrument have been revealed.

5 May 2026 - 5:48PMvideocam

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Wang Wentao

China-EU progress, Xi touts ‘global influence’, Nato summit

This week: China signals openness to cutting EU trade gap, President Xi hails Communist Party’s ‘significant global influence’ and factory activity returns to expansion. Next week: Nato summit takes place in Turkey, US moves towards new tariffs, Kung Fu Soccer may hit the screens, and more.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stance

European firms ‘becoming more reliant on China, not less’: EU chamber chief

UK trade secretary hosts Chinese delegation in bid to boost services

Peter Kyle and China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will launch an initiative to support UK businesses expanding their exports into China.

EU seeks ‘tangible results’ on China trade deficit by October

Hopes of progress in paring the EU’s trade deficit with China by autumn will mean overcoming some seemingly insurmountable barriers.

China-EU joint statement on trade

China and the European Union issued a rare joint statement confirming the launch of a ministerial-level platform to ease bilateral economic tensions.

EU sets China October deadline for ‘tangible results’ after key trade talks

Marathon session in Brussels sees Beijing agreeing to establish a ‘joint monitoring mechanism of trade flows’ to help ease economic tensions.

EU confronts ‘China shock’ ahead of pivotal Brussels trade talks

There is a growing sense Europe will have to learn to ‘live with’ Beijing’s economic model, which it accuses of undercutting its industries.

Tech giant ASML joins China trade trip even amid US risk to sales

Europe’s most valuable company is seeking to boost sales in China while its home government works to fend off tougher export controls from the US.

Exclusive | Dutch semiconductor giants join delegation to China as US pushes curbs: source

The Netherlands has protested Washington’s proposed Match Act, which would further curtail its semiconductor firms’ business in China.

EU leaders ask Brussels to come up with new trade weapons to counter China shock

Late-night meeting ends with instruction to officials to engage with Beijing while preparing tools to defend Europe’s economy.

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

Brussels currently lacks the firepower to win a trade clash with China – and Beijing is not in a mood to make concessions, analysts warn.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Outside In | Europe blaming China for trade imbalance ignores its own policy failures

How are Beijing’s successful industrial policies any different from those used by Europe, the US or the ‘Asian tigers’ in the past?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Exclusive | China’s date with Dutch trade minister on cards for early July: source

The Netherlands’ trade chief and his delegation will come at a pivotal diplomatic moment, as The Hague faces pressure from US tech-export laws.

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’.

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?

Asia-Pacific trade risks loom large as Apec official warns of protectionism

China is urged to evolve as a world buyer, ahead of ministers’ gathering in Suzhou where a raft of far-reaching trade issues will be discussed.

Australia to force investors with China ties to divest from rare earths company

The company will force divestment from two individuals and four companies due to Chinese affiliation.

Australian trade minister to visit China to secure fuel during Iran war crunch

Beijing tightened jet fuel exports after the war broke out, forcing Canberra to seek alternative suppliers.

The longest day – how the Xi-Trump summit reset China-US ties in 12 hours

The two leaders follow a morning of talks with a tour of the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet.

Netherlands opposes US proposal to further bar chip giant ASML from China market

While the chipmaking-gear giant is already banned from selling advanced kit to China, new rule would make low-end products off-limits too.

Exclusive | EU sounds out industry over new trade weapon against China’s overcapacity

Brussels is polling business groups ahead of commissioners’ meeting but few details of the proposed instrument have been revealed.

Exclusive | China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stance

Outside In | Europe blaming China for trade imbalance ignores its own policy failures