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European Union

European Union
European Union
The latest breaking news and stories on the European Union (EU), an economic and political union of 27 member states mainly located in Europe, which accounts for around a sixth of global economic output. Also covering the EU’s relationship with the UK (post Brexit), China and the US, plus commentary and updates on EU legislation, the euro and trade.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio holds a press conference during the Critical Minerals Ministerial at the State Department in Washington DC on February 4, 2026. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Sudden Xi-Trump call, secret nuclear testing claims: 7 US-China relations reads

From China’s grip on minerals to the US’ Apec plans, here are highlights from our overseas correspondents in the first half of February 2026.

Britain

Starmer urges Europe to deepen interdependence amid Trump threats

Indonesia

Crude business for Indonesia amid West’s squeeze on Russian oil

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US-Iran tensions

Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva for second round of talks with US

Talks will centre on Iran’s controversial nuclear programme, as the US deploys a second aircraft carrier to the region.

An Iranian woman walks past an anti-US billboard in Tehran, Iran. Photo: EPA
Marco Rubio

Rubio says US not disputing report of Navalny’s fatal poisoning by frog toxin

Five European governments blamed Russia for killing Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny while he was held in an Arctic penal colony.

Ukraine

‘Work to be done’: EU says it’s not ready to give Ukraine a membership date

Ukraine applied to join the ‌EU days after Russia’s invasion almost four years ago, seeking to anchor itself to the West.

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United Nations

Opinion | More than funding, the UN needs restructuring

The UN’s financial strain is a chance to rethink its structure, cut inefficiencies and empower local work that delivers more impact.

Internally displaced Palestinians walk among the ruins of the Al Tuffah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City on February 11. The UN human rights office has maintained a presence in Gaza despite the challenges. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong politics

Beijing slams US, UK, Australia and EU over Jimmy Lai sentencing remarks

Commissioner’s office says it summoned representatives from the countries and bloc in Hong Kong to voice ‘strong dissatisfaction’.

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US-China relations

Future of China-US ties rests on Washington’s will, Wang Yi says in Munich

At Munich Security Conference, Chinese foreign minister also accuses Japan of ‘angry ambitions for the invasion and colonisation of Taiwan’.

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Japan

Opinion | Takaichi’s anti-China stance won’t bolster Japan’s security

As the US-led order unravels, the Japanese prime minister’s militaristic approach goes against the global shift towards cooperation with China.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
China-EU relations

Farewell to the ‘unipolar moment’: Europe scrambles for footing between US and China

French and German foreign ministers revive talks with Beijing counterpart to respond to US-China divide-and-rule tactics and bolster European unity.

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Meeting in Munich on Friday are (from left) China’s Wang Yi, Germany’s Johann Wadephul and France’s Jean-Noel Barrot. Photo: DPA
World Trade Organization (WTO)

China cuts EU dairy tariffs, easing trade tensions after EV dispute

EU called Beijing’s tariffs ‘unwarranted’, and mulls WTO action, but China cutting some duties signals possible improvement in ties.

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China-EU relations

EU seeks independence, survival amid China-US economic dominance

European leaders meet to address the bloc’s economic woes, reliance on China and US, and shielding key industries from protectionist policies.

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China-EU relations

Nexperia faces 6-month inquiry as CEO Zhang’s suspension upheld by Dutch court

Investigation into firm’s governance could last six months, with one analyst warning of damage to bilateral ties.

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The head office of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia in Nijmegen, Netherlands, on October 14, 2025. Photo: AP
China-EU relations

Exclusive | Cold shoulder? China, EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich showdown

Annual security conference could provide rare venue for high-level EU-China talks as top diplomats Wang Yi and Kaja Kallas attend.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to the Munich Security Conference this week will be closely watched for possible breakthroughs in Beijing’s relationship with the European Union. Photo: Reuters
China-India relations

China, India find common cause in push for multipolar world

New talks between India and China reflect the two Asian giants’ mutual efforts to bolster ties and reshape the global order.

China Conference: Southeast Asia

Asean urged to rewrite trade rule book as US turns transactional

The US and China are the top two trading partners for Asean but it is questionable how long that status quo will last, observers say.

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China-EU relations

EU ‘mega tariff’: French minister urges caution amid calls for 30% China duty

Finance minister distances himself from French government agency’s proposal for blanket EU tariffs on China to stop ‘destruction’ of local industry.

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French Finance Minister Roland Lescure gives a speech in Paris on February 3. Lescure has distanced himself from proposals for a blanket 30 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports. Photo: AFP
BN(O) passport

China’s UK embassy slams BN(O) expansion for ‘manipulating’ Jimmy Lai case

Embassy spokesman condemns ‘malicious’ move to expand migration pathway and accuses Britain of interfering in China’s domestic affairs.

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Diplomacy

Trump official says US to fund ‘free speech’ initiatives in Europe

State Department eyes funding efforts it sees as being aligned to the Trump administration’s views.

Jimmy Lai trial

Ex-media boss Jimmy Lai jailed for 20 years under national security law

Beijing hails punishment as a ‘powerful declaration’ against those who dare challenge the city’s national security law.

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Jimmy Lai (front row, third from right) at his sentencing hearing. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
Saudi Arabia

Prince William visits Saudi Arabia as UK seeks deeper economic ties

The visit comes as daily revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files continue to put pressure on King Charles III’s disgraced younger brother, the former Prince Andrew.

Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the British throne. Photo: AFP
Science

US transformers are ageing. Why renewable energy could make things worse

Team in China finds that high renewable energy integration could make power transformers age nearly a quarter faster.

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Jimmy Lai trial

Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison for national security crimes

Hong Kong leader and Beijing office say sentence shows rule of law has been upheld, while UK pledges to engage with Chinese authorities over case.

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Portugal

Portugal’s Seguro wins presidency in a landslide

Antonio Jose Seguro scored a convincing win over Andre Ventura in Portugal’s run-off.

Antonio Jose Seguro gestures to supporters following early results. Photo: Reuters
Banking & finance

As China intensifies offshore tax hunt, exporters struggle with compliance

Beijing leverages big data and global info exchange to chase undeclared overseas wealth, with fiscal needs seen driving the push, forcing compliance across sectors.

The Yantai Port is seen in China’s Shandong province last month. For those in China’s cross-border trade business, a sweeping tax crackdown is beginning to be felt. Photo: Xinhua
Norway

‘China threat’? Norway slammed over ‘sheer speculation’ putting ties on line

Chinese embassy rebuke follows latest annual risk assessments from Norwegian intelligence, police and national security agencies.

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India

India’s trade blitz seeks to keep afloat a sinking global order

‘Jolted out of its slumber’ by US tariffs, New Delhi is aggressively diversifying trade alliances to act as a bridge in a polarised world.

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