What does this year hold for China-EU relations? In this episode of China Observers, host Emma Belmonte speaks with Etienne Soula about the evolving dynamics between the European Union and China in 2026. They discuss the impact of recent US developments on European perceptions of China, the significance of bilateral visits by European leaders, and the challenges posed by Germany's economic relationship with China. The conversation also covers the EU's new economic security agenda, trade disputes, cybersecurity threats, and concerns regarding Chinese ownership of critical infrastructure. Additionally, they touch on the diminishing focus on human rights issues in EU-China relations and conclude with reflections on the uncertain future of these interactions.

#China #EU #economic #security # economy #trade #tariffs #cybersecurity #critical #infrastructure #humanrights #IAA #IndustrialAcceleratorAct #EuropeanUnion #geopolitics #US #2026

What are the implications of China's presence in the Western Balkans when it comes to EU enlargement ? The conversation delves into China's strategic investments, the varying degrees of engagement with different countries in the region, and the backlash against certain projects. Vladimir Shopov (ECFR) discusses with host Emma Belmonte the evolving nature of China's approach, the EU's response to Chinese influence, and the implications for EU accession processes.

Read Vladimir Shopov's policy brief here:

Eyes wide shut: How to read China’s playbook in the Western Balkans

To read more on this, here are some of CHOICE's articles on the topic:

• The Environmental Impact of Chinese Projects in the Western Balkans

• “Win Some, Lose Some”: China’s Involvement in the Extractive and Raw Materials Industries in the Western Balkans

• China’s Aid in the Western Balkans: Supporting Development, Undermining Good Governance

#China #WesternBalkans #EU #EUaccession #BRI #BeltandRoadInitiative #Chineseinvestments #infrastructure, #politics #europeanpolitics #europe #china-europe #China-EU #civilsociety #accession #enlargement #geopolitics

What do you know about the climate crisis in Tibet ? And what about the effect of Chinese policies and development projects on the Tibetan environment ? Dr. Lobsang Yangtso discusses the impact of hydropower dams, the concept of green colonialism, and the resilience of Tibetan nomads in protecting their land and culture. The dialogue highlights the importance of Tibet's natural resources to China and the often overlooked environmental costs associated with these developments.

Hosted and Produces by Emma Belmonte.

#Tibet #COP30 #climate #environment #dams #earthquakes #indigenousrights #hydropower #China #greenpolicies #Tibetannomads #colonialism