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China Steps Up Diplomatic Engagement Amid Iran Crisis

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Amid the ongoing Iran crisis, China is intensifying its diplomatic activity, stating that it will continue to support de-escalation and promote negotiations. According to Beijing, the immediate priority is to prevent further escalation in the region and preserve space for dialogue.

This position was reaffirmed during an April 15 briefing, in which Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun noted that China welcomes all efforts to end the conflict.

Within this framework, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that during a meeting on April 14 with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of peace in the Middle East and outlined four key principles for maintaining stability: peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to international law, and a balance between development and security.

According to The Wall Street Journal, on April 15, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which they discussed the regional situation and the progress of Iran-U.S. negotiations. Wang Yi described the situation as being at a “critical stage between war and peace” and noted that a “window of opportunity for peace is opening”. He also stressed China’s support for a ceasefire, continued negotiations, the protection of Iran’s sovereignty, and ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Amid the crisis, China continues its diplomatic engagement through both direct communication and coordination with international partners. Notably, on March 31, China and Pakistan introduced a joint five-point initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire, the launch of peace talks, and respect for the sovereignty of Iran and Gulf states.

China is acting with particular caution in this process: on the one hand, it seeks to maintain communication channels with Iran, while on the other, it avoids escalating tensions with Washington.

Reuters reports that Wang Yi has held about 30 phone calls and meetings on ceasefire efforts, while China’s special envoy has conducted diplomatic consultations in several Gulf and Arab capitals. The agency also notes that Beijing’s increased activity coincides with statements by Donald Trump about a possible meeting with Xi Jinping in May. However, China’s Foreign Ministry has only confirmed that communication between the sides on this issue is ongoing.

Author: Mariam Simsive

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Sánchez and Xi Jinping Agree to Deepen Ties

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On April 14 in Beijing, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two sides discussed strengthening cooperation and the strategic importance of bilateral relations.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Xi Jinping spoke about enhancing communication between the two countries and expanding cooperation. He said the priority areas include trade, new energy, the smart economy, culture, education, research, and sports. Beijing also noted that China is ready to work with Spain to uphold multilateralism and the international order based on the United Nations.

The Spanish government reported that 19 agreements were signed during the visit. The documents cover economic, cultural, and scientific-technological cooperation. Several protocols were also signed to expand Spanish products’ access to the Chinese market. The areas of cooperation also include transport infrastructure, biodiversity, and university research.

At the same time, Madrid used the visit to raise the issue of balancing trade relations with China. According to the government, Madrid wants not only close, but also healthier and more balanced economic relations with Beijing.

The prime minister said that agreements already reached had helped boost Spanish exports, while the new package is expected to further expand access to the Chinese market and encourage investment. Sánchez also called on Chinese investors to pursue projects in Spain that would create local jobs, facilitate knowledge transfer, and strengthen the local economy.

Pedro Sánchez’s April 11-15 visit to China took place at a time when a number of Western countries, despite disagreements in the areas of security and trade, are seeking to rebalance their relations with Beijing. This process has become particularly visible amid growing dissatisfaction among Western partners with the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting some countries to diversify their foreign economic ties.

Author: Mariam Simsive

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FCC Prepares New Restrictions on Chinese Telecom Companies

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is planning to tighten regulatory controls on Chinese telecommunications companies.

The agency may restrict the operations of China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom in relation to data centers and internet exchange points in the United States, while also strengthening oversight of their interconnection with American networks. An initial vote on the matter is scheduled for April 30.

According to the FCC’s preliminary assessment, interconnection with companies included on its official list poses risks to national security. The Commission’s document notes that such entities may have the capacity to access and manipulate data or to manage communications channels in a potentially improper manner. For this reason, the proposed restrictions are being considered not only for telecommunications services, but also for data centers and other critical infrastructure nodes.

The new initiative forms part of Washington’s broader policy toward Chinese telecommunications firms. In 2019, the FCC denied China Mobile authorization to provide telecommunications services in the United States, and in subsequent years revoked the authorizations previously granted to China Unicom and China Telecom Americas. In April 2024, the Commission also ordered the American subsidiaries of these operators to discontinue their fixed and mobile broadband internet services.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington criticized the FCC’s initiative, stating that the United States justifies the imposition of restrictions on Chinese companies under the pretext of protecting national interests and state security. According to Beijing’s assessment, however, Washington applies the concept of national security in practice with excessively broad scope, and this approach ultimately serves to impose additional constraints on the activities of Chinese businesses.

Author: Mariam Simsive

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Beijing and Pyongyang Agree to Deepen Relations

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit North Korea on April 9-10.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit is aimed at enhancing strategic communication, high-level contacts, and cooperation between Beijing and Pyongyang.

As mentioned in the official information, 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the China-North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, and the two sides are also planning commemorative events.

The same statement notes that the North Korean side once again reaffirmed its support for the “One China” principle and expressed readiness to deepen practical cooperation between the two countries.

The visit comes amid the recent intensification of political and transport links between Beijing and Pyongyang, as passenger train service between the two capitals has resumed, Air China flights have restarted, and Chinese exports to North Korea reached $2.3 billion in 2025, the highest level in the past six years.

According to the agency, this warming in ties was preceded by Kim Jong Un’s visit to Beijing in September 2025 and Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s trip to Pyongyang in October. Reuters notes that this is the first publicly known visit by a Chinese foreign minister to North Korea since 2019.

Author: Mariam Simsive

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China Mediates Talks Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

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China said on April 3 that talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan are making progress. According to Beijing, the two sides have agreed to continue dialogue, in what is being viewed as an effort to de-escalate tensions that have intensified between the neighboring states since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that both Pakistan and Afghanistan attach importance to the dialogue facilitated by Beijing and are prepared to continue negotiations. According to the Associated Press, the parties resumed working-level consultations several days earlier in Urumqi, in western China.

Media reports indicate that the current round of talks is focused on a possible ceasefire, the reopening of border crossing points, and the restoration of trade and cross-border movement.

At the same time, Pakistan maintains that armed groups operating from Afghan territory continue to carry out attacks on its soil, while Kabul rejects the allegation and says it remains prepared for responsible dialogue.

China, for its part, says it is seeking to preserve communication channels between Pakistan and Afghanistan and to provide a platform for negotiations, as tensions along the border have escalated in recent weeks and resulted in casualties.

However, Beijing has so far released no further details regarding either its mediation efforts or the substance of the ongoing consultations.

Author: Mariam Simsive

China Mediates Talks Between Pakistan and Afghanistan Read More »

European Parliament Delegation Pays Official Visit to China

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A nine-member delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, led by Anna Cavazzini, is visiting Beijing and Shanghai from March 31 to April 2.

This is the European Parliament’s first official visit to China in the past eight years. The main topics of the meetings include products entering the EU market that do not comply with standards, difficulties faced by European companies in accessing the Chinese market, and the regulation of digital trade. Alongside Chinese officials, the delegation is also meeting with representatives of Shein, Alibaba, and Temu.

According to the European Parliament, one of the main concerns is the large volume of small parcels entering the European Union from non-European online platforms, including those based in China.

Parliamentary data show that 4.6 billion small consignments entered the EU market in 2024, 91% of which came from China. The same source states that in 2025, the EU’s Safety Gate system recorded 4,671 dangerous products, of which 2,006 were of Chinese origin.

The visit is taking place against the backdrop of a major customs reform agreed on March 26 by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. The reform envisages tighter controls on dangerous and non-compliant goods, the creation of a unified customs data hub, the introduction of a common fee on small parcels, and the establishment of a new EU customs authority.

According to Reuters, Brussels is placing particular emphasis on tightening the responsibilities of online platforms, as product safety and fair competition have become increasingly pressing issues within the European Union.

China’s official side has assessed the visit positively, stating that the arrival of the European Parliament delegation will strengthen bilateral relations, promote cooperation between legislative bodies, and support the stable development of ties between China and the European Union.

Author: Mariam Simsive

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China launches reciprocal investigations into U.S. trade practices

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On March 27, China launched two investigations into U.S. trade practices and accused Washington of restricting access to the trade market and disrupting commerce in green products.

Beijing’s announcement followed two earlier U.S. decisions. On March 11, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opened an investigation under Section 301 into structural overcapacity in various manufacturing sectors.

According to China’s Commerce Ministry, the steps taken by the United States restrict Chinese products’ access to the U.S. market, hamper exports of advanced technologies to China, and create barriers to trade in the green energy sector.

Although a trade truce has remained in place between Washington and Beijing since the October 2025 meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, recent developments show that disagreements over industrial policy, market access, and technology trade remain on the agenda.

According to Reuters, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao also raised concerns about the U.S. investigations during his latest meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, while noting that Beijing remains ready to deepen economic and trade cooperation.

Media sources suggest that both sides are trying to preserve leverage for negotiations while also avoiding a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations.

Beijing’s decision to respond to U.S. steps with formal investigations rather than tougher trade tariffs indicates that room for negotiations still remains, even as the trade dispute has already expanded to include supply chains, high-tech exports, and green industries.

Author: Mariam Simsive

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US-China trade negotiations amid Trump-Xi Jinping Meeting

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U.S. and Chinese officials met in Paris on Monday, March 16th. The negotiations have been led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, to finalize trade and agriculture proposals that could set the stage for a possible summit between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping later this month.

The talks focused on expanding Chinese purchases of U.S. farm goods, including soybeans, and creating new mechanisms to manage trade frictions. Reuters, citing sources familiar with the negotiations, said officials also discussed a possible “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment” to address sector-specific issues.

The talks also addressed strategic supply chains. Reuters reported that U.S. officials raised access to Chinese critical minerals, including aerospace-grade yttrium, while urging Beijing to buy more Boeing aircraft and U.S. energy exports.

Still, broader geopolitical tensions threaten to overshadow the trade track. Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times, that he may delay the China trip unless Beijing helps efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after conflict-related disruption sent fresh shockwaves through energy markets.

China has meanwhile kept a harder public line on U.S. trade pressure. In a statement carried by Xinhua News Agency, China’s commerce ministry said it had lodged representations with Washington over a new U.S. forced-labor-related trade probe and urged the United States to “correct its wrongdoings” and resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation. AP also reported that Beijing described the new U.S. investigation as damaging to global supply-chain stability.

The Paris talks appeared aimed more at stabilizing ties than achieving an immediate breakthrough. That suggests both sides are trying to preserve momentum in the relationship even as trade disputes and the Iran-linked energy crisis add new uncertainty.

Author: Mariam Simsive 

US-China trade negotiations amid Trump-Xi Jinping Meeting Read More »

China condemns new U.S. trade probes ahead of Paris talks

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On March 13, China sharply criticized a new U.S. trade investigation targeting alleged industrial overcapacity and forced labor, warning it could take countermeasures just days before senior officials from both countries are due to meet in Paris for another round of economic talks.

The dispute adds fresh strain to an already fragile thaw in U.S.-China relations, as Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is expected to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Paris on March 15-16. The talks are widely seen as groundwork for a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Beijing starting March 31, although Beijing has not publicly confirmed that trip.

Beijing’s criticism came after the United States launched Section 301 investigations into alleged industrial overcapacity and failures by foreign governments to prevent goods made with forced labor from entering supply chains. In a March 11 notice, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said it would examine whether such practices are “unreasonable or discriminatory” and burden U.S. commerce, with China among the economies named in both probes.

China’s Commerce Ministry, said Washington had no right to make unilateral judgments about whether another country has “overcapacity,” and warned the U.S. action could seriously undermine the international economic and trade order. Beijing said it was assessing the measures and reserved the right to defend its interests.

China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the forced-labor allegations. At a regular press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures and argued that tariff and trade wars serve neither side’s interests. He also called the forced-labor accusation “a lie concocted by the U.S.” and accused Washington of politicizing the issue.

Despite the rhetorical escalation, both sides are moving ahead with face-to-face talks in France, with China’s Commerce Ministry confirming He Lifeng’s visit from March 14 to 17. According to the South China Morning Post, the Paris talks are expected to cover key trade issues and could produce outcomes that pave the way for the next Trump-Xi meeting, underscoring that both governments continue to prepare for dialogue despite broader geopolitical tensions.

Whether the new Section 301 probes will harden positions in Paris or become another bargaining chip remains unclear. For now, they underscore that dialogue and confrontation continue in parallel in U.S.-China relations.

Author: Mariam Simsive

 

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U.S. Launches New Trade Investigation Against China

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On March 11, the United States launched a new trade investigation under Section 301 concerning China’s industrial overcapacity.

According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the aim of the investigation is to determine whether the policies and practices of China and 15 other economies related to “structural overcapacity and excess production capacity” are unreasonable or discriminatory and whether they harm U.S. commerce.

Washington said that consultations with the relevant governments will take place as part of the process. Public comments may be submitted until April 15, while hearings will begin on May 5.

The U.S. government made this decision at a time when manufacturers in China’s export hubs were reporting increased activity amid the temporary reduction of U.S. tariffs. In particular, according to Reuters, some factories were trying to make the most of the temporary relief, accelerating both product shipments and expansion plans.

According to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, these investigations are part of the Trump administration’s broader economic policy aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity and curbing foreign overproduction.

At the same time, this step indicates that despite the temporary easing of tariffs, Washington continues to employ new mechanisms of pressure in its trade confrontation with China.

Author: Mariam Simsive

U.S. Launches New Trade Investigation Against China Read More »

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