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Cui Hongjian

(崔洪建)

Cui Hongjian

崔洪建

The latest news and top stories on Cui Hongjian, a prominent Chinese academic and former diplomat. Known for his expertise in European studies, he currently serves as Head of EU Studies and Director of the Center for the EU and Regional Development Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University. He has a background as a diplomat, including postings in India and Jamaica, and previously directed the Department for European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies. His work focuses on the complex dynamics of China-EU relations, highlighting misaligned expectations and advocating for enhanced cooperation and joint problem solving. He frequently provides insights on geopolitical challenges and bilateral ties.

A demonstration against US President Donald Trump’s plans to acquire Greenland, in the capital Nuuk on January 17. Photo: AFP

US-EU relations

‘Paper tiger’: what’s behind Trump’s renewed Greenland threat?

Europe is likely to stay neutral in the Iran war and could even benefit if America fares poorly in its military campaign, analyst says.

7 Apr 2026 - 11:02PMvideocam

China-EU relations

China, Europe and why Beijing took a swing at Iran over the Strait of Hormuz

3 Apr 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Two Sessions 2026

China boosts diplomatic budget by 9.3% as US leaves ‘fiscal void’

5 Mar 2026 - 8:18PMvideocam

US-China relations

China prioritises regional expertise over language fluency in academic shift

Some 450 regional studies centres have been set up across more than 180 institutions nationwide since Ministry of Education launched project.

23 Feb 2026 - 12:16PM

Interest in the interdisciplinary field of regional studies has grown rapidly in China, according to official data. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

China-Russia relations

Could Greenland and Iran have been factors in latest China-Russia talks?

Sunday’s meeting between senior officials saw Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warning against the ‘law of the jungle’.

2 Feb 2026 - 10:16PMvideocam

World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

As Trump shakes world order, Western countries recalibrate approach to China

At Davos, world leaders take veiled swipes at the US, while China frames itself as defender of the post-war system, analysts say.

23 Jan 2026 - 11:00PM

US-China relations

Greenland meltdown: what does Trump’s quest mean for the global order and China?

Dispute over the Danish territory has strained Europe’s relationship with the US and it could force the EU to recalibrate ties with China.

22 Jan 2026 - 11:28AMvideocam

US-Venezuela conflict

How the US raid in Venezuela has triggered Brazilian fury and a Chinese opening

Latin America’s largest economy seeks ‘delicate balance’ between Trump’s ambitions and boosting ties with Beijing, its top trading partner.

11 Jan 2026 - 6:04AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Venezuela crisis underscores China’s challenges in Latin America

Washington making an example of Maduro as a ‘warning shot’ would create a ‘chilling effect’ across Latin America, observer says.

4 Jan 2026 - 11:01PMvideocam

China-EU relations

‘Straddle the middle ground’: Europe’s hard choice over US attacks on Venezuela

Although they do not agree with Trump’s way of doing things, they seem to agree with his ultimate objectives, analyst in China says.

4 Jan 2026 - 9:43PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump, flanked by his top officials, addresses a press conference following the capture of the Venezuelan first couple, in Florida on January 3. Photo: Reuters

China manufacturing

Are US, EU and Japan banking on defence spending for an economic boost?

As advanced economies ramp up military expenditures, they have multiple goals - including a reduced reliance on China in defence supply chains.

9 Dec 2025 - 5:28PMvideocam

China-France relations

Macron bypasses EU in bid to boost France-China ties

French President Emmanuel Macron left Ursula von der Leyen in Europe, as European leaders sidestep the EU and seek to boost bilateral ties with China.

4 Dec 2025 - 5:07PM

US-China trade war

China patient in Nexperia row – but escalation seen as possible as talks loom

Beijing wants diplomatic solution but may take countermeasures if Dutch side refuses to budge, analysts warn.

14 Nov 2025 - 7:30PMvideocam

China-Germany relations

Germany must work with China to build trust after relations turned frosty: expert

Berlin’s foreign policy is bogged down by specifics and lacks vision, observer says.

9 Nov 2025 - 6:00PMvideocam

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has put Beijing offside, making pointed remarks about Taiwan and voicing criticism about Beijing. Photo: EPA

Family offices

Hong Kong leader John Lee to speak at family business summit

Third annual event curated by the Post and Blue Pool Capital, presented by UBS, features speakers from governments to Wall Street to the NBA.

7 Nov 2025 - 7:54AM

(Left to right): SCMP’s Executive Managing Editor Zuraidah Ibrahim, Editor-in-Chief Tammy Tam, Singapore’s former foreign minister George Yeo, Alibaba Group Holding’s chairman Joe Tsai, SCMP’s CEO Catherine So, at the 2025 Family Business Summit in Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP

China-EU relations

Will EU ‘play hardball’ in US-China rivalry? Brussels faces division on autonomy

China’s efforts to persuade EU to treat ties ‘as a strategic partnership are reaching their limits’, says former diplomat Cui Hongjian.

7 Nov 2025 - 9:06AMvideocam

Taiwan

What does the Xi-Trump summit’s silence on Taiwan mean?

The self-ruled island is less of a priority for the US leader and could affect others playing the ‘Taiwan card’, analysts say.

31 Oct 2025 - 6:16AMvideocam

US-China relations

Did Trump’s UN Russia rant hint at a China pivot?

While Moscow was attacked over Ukraine war, observers point to softer rhetoric on Beijing and what the US leader didn’t say in his speech.

24 Sep 2025 - 11:17PMvideocam

President Donald Trump addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, on Tuesday. China watchers noted that he was restrained in his remarks on Beijing. Photo: AP

Ukraine war

Trump-Putin summit: was it a win for Russia or the US?

Observers see symbolic win for Moscow, say Beijing will be wary of its impact on the US-China-Russia power triangle.

17 Aug 2025 - 11:50AMvideocam

China-EU relations

Why EU stance on Taiwan is a growing cause of concern for mainland China

Taiwan remains a red line for Beijing, but island’s informal EU ties are prompting worries that the bloc may backslide on one-China policy.

15 Aug 2025 - 11:00PMvideocam

China trade

Where does China stand after US’ new trade deal with EU?

Analysts say Washington could be hoping its agreement with Brussels offers the US more leverage over China.

29 Jul 2025 - 2:00AMvideocam

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sits alongside US President Donald Trump in Scotland on Sunday, when they announced that they had reached a trade deal. Photo: AFP

China-EU relations

Can China get the US out of the way of better ties with Europe?

Beijing and Brussels are marking 50 years of diplomatic relations but one third party is putting a damper on the festivities.

23 Jul 2025 - 9:58AMvideocam

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