# China-European strategic and trade diplomacy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-european-strategic-and-trade-diplomacy
> Updated: 2026-10-11T04:35:23.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

China has engaged in high-level strategic dialogues with major European powers to address trade relations and multilateralism.

In late September, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and German official Johann Wadephul discussed strengthening strategic communication and mutual trust. The conversation focused on protecting free trade against unilateralism, the ‘One China’ principle, and resolving economic disputes between China and the European Union through dialogue to avoid trade wars.

By mid-October, during the 28th China-France Strategic Dialogue held in Datong, Shanxi province, Wang Yi and French Diplomatic Adviser Emmanuel Bonne continued this focus on managing trade differences. Wang Yi emphasized that China and the European Union are capable of managing trade differences through dialogue and highlighted progress in China-EU trade and investment consultations. He also urged France to maintain its commitment to the ‘one-China principle’ as the political foundation of the bilateral relationship.

The discussions expanded to include cooperation in aviation, aerospace, nuclear energy, advanced manufacturing, green development, and artificial intelligence. French officials indicated that Europe does not seek a trade war or decoupling, expressing a readiness to act as a reliable partner. Both parties reached a broad consensus on working toward global stability and a more equitable system of global governance.

## Claims

- China and the EU can manage trade differences through dialogue. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The 28th China-France Strategic Dialogue took place in Datong, Shanxi province. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- China and France seek to expand cooperation in aviation, aerospace, nuclear energy, advanced manufacturing, green development, and AI. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- China urged France to maintain its commitment to the One-China principle. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- France aims to build a strong and active comprehensive strategic partnership with China based on mutual respect and trust. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Europe does not seek a trade war or decoupling from China. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: China and France hold 28th Strategic Dialogue in Datong

China and France held their 28th Strategic Dialogue in Datong, discussing trade, strategic cooperation in AI and aerospace, and the importance of the One-China principle.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-and-france-hold-28th-strategic-dialogue-to-discuss-trade-and-cooperation

### 2026-09-22: China and Germany discuss strategic partnership via telephone

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and German official Johann Wadephul discussed strengthening bilateral ties, economic cooperation, and resolving EU-China trade issues through dialogue.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-and-germany-discuss-strategic-partnership-via-telephone

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Cite as: China-European strategic and trade diplomacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-european-strategic-and-trade-diplomacy