China's Ministry of Commerce: Smooth China-EU Economic Communication, 'Export to China' Event to Be Held in UK in July
Claire Weston
China's Commerce Ministry said on June 18 that trade communication with the EU is running smoothly and Brussels has stated "a trade war is not an EU policy goal"; a UK-specific 'Export to China' event is planned for July, signaling the friction-management framework is moving from dialogue toward real procurement.
What are the two sides actually discussing?
On June 9, Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji met EU Trade Director-General Jorgensen at EU headquarters to discuss the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism.
This means → both sides are laying the groundwork for an upcoming ministerial-level meeting; negotiations have entered the agenda-setting phase.
China's stated position: manage differences through dialogue and push for "healthy, stable" trade ties.
How did the Germany launch go?
The June 11 Germany session was the series' first stop in the EU, drawing roughly 80 firms and over 120 representatives from both countries.
Chinese participants included COMAC and FAW among nearly 20 key firms, covering aviation equipment and auto parts; Germany showcased precision instruments and specialty pharmaceuticals.
In plain terms = China brought a shopping list, Germany set up the shelf — this was a concrete procurement matchup, not a goodwill tour.
Why is the UK next?
The Commerce Ministry plans to hold a UK session in July. Britain is designated the program's annual theme country and a top priority for 2025.
This means → outside the China-EU framework, the China-UK trade channel is being upgraded separately — post-Brexit Britain's independent trade status makes it a differentiated entry point into European markets.
What new conveniences await foreign business visitors?
The Ministry simultaneously released its 2026 edition of the Guide for Foreign Business Personnel Working and Living in China, with updates on both policy and services.
Policy: expanded unilateral visa-free access, optimized 240-hour transit visa-free policy, and new departure tax-refund provisions.
Services: added guidance on eSIM card registration and updated the list of cities where foreigners can tap-to-ride the metro.
How far can this thaw go?
The EU explicitly stated "a trade war is not an EU policy goal toward China"; Beijing responded with intensive procurement matchups and visa conveniences.
This reflects a shared interest in cooling friction — but through different currencies: Brussels offers political signals, Beijing offers economic incentives.
Two checkpoints will determine whether the thaw converts into substance: whether the ministerial consultation happens on schedule, and how much real business the UK session generates — the first tests the framework, the second tests the content.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.