TOPIC

/ people

Maros Sefcovic

The latest news and top stories on Maros Sefcovic, a seasoned Slovak diplomat, he currently serves as European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency. Previously, he was Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal. His extensive career within the European Commission includes multiple Vice-Presidential roles, focusing on energy, interinstitutional relations, and administration. Known as "Mr Fix-It," he successfully negotiated the Windsor Framework with the UK and leads efforts to prevent transatlantic trade conflicts. His expertise spans trade policy, economic security, customs, and strategic foresight, aiming to bolster the EU’s global standing and economic stability.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on February 25. Photo: dpa

China-Germany relations

Germany’s Merz floats EU-China trade deal as European capitals soften on Beijing

Remarks urging ‘strategic partnerships around the world’ underscore how tensions with the US are inducing a more accommodating stance.

26 Mar 2026 - 8:31PMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU too slow to act as China rewrites global trade rules, trade chief Sefcovic warns

25 Feb 2026 - 9:18AMvideocam

European Union

South American bloc and EU sign long-awaited FTA amid Trump’s tariffs

18 Jan 2026 - 7:56AM

China-EU relations

EU facing crunch talks over Ukraine, China and its economic future

EU leaders are set to meet amid growing concern in Brussels that the bloc’s divisions will impede meaningful action across a range of issues.

18 Dec 2025 - 2:07PMvideocam

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc had to decide what option it wanted to take to ensure Ukraine received funding. Photo: dpa

Britain

‘Big step forward’: UK rejoins Erasmus exchange programme in post-Brexit reset

After a five-year absence, the UK returns to the EU study abroad scheme, with 100,000 people estimated to benefit in the first year alone.

17 Dec 2025 - 7:11PM

India

India-EU trade pact nears finish line despite carbon tax dispute and Russia

Brussels is looking past India’s ties with Moscow to secure a vital economic win, with analysts predicting a deal within months.

10 Dec 2025 - 5:00PM

China-EU relations

Back to the drawing board: EU revives faltering China de-risking plans

Twin proposals aim to boost economic arsenal while cutting China dependence as 27-nation bloc fights for survival in era of trade warfare.

3 Dec 2025 - 11:34PMvideocam

EU flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. The bloc aims to use its existing economic tools more aggressively and with overall resilience objectives in mind. Photo: Reuters

Semiconductors

Tensions flare as Wingtech slams chipmaker Nexperia’s head office over deception

The heightened tensions underscore the complexity in resolving the two sides’ dispute over the control of the Dutch chipmaker.

28 Nov 2025 - 10:27PM

Nexperia

China, EU shift Nexperia strategy: let the companies work it out

Wang Wentao shifts focus to the boardroom but warns the Dutch government must still scrap the executive order and court ruling fuelling the crisis.

27 Nov 2025 - 10:06PMvideocam

China-EU relations

As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, EU scrambles for its dictionary

The EU is preparing to unveil a new doctrine on economic security, but it’s a concept that officials and experts say has no clear definition.

24 Nov 2025 - 12:00PMvideocam

The EU’s new economic security doctrine will be released in early December. Photo: AFP

China-EU relations

We have 1 year: rare earth control pause may help mend China-EU ties, envoy says

Bloc’s China ambassador says last month’s suspension creates ‘new stability’ and a chance to improve frosty relations.

20 Nov 2025 - 6:42PMvideocam

EU ambassador to China Jorge Toledo tells a forum in Beijing on Thursday that there is a new glimmer of hope to repair the bloc’s “difficult” relationship with China. Photo: Handout

China-EU relations

EU claims agreement with China to unblock Nexperia chip flow

China will waive licensing requirements ‘provided that it is declared that the goods are intended for civilian use’, EU trade chief says.

9 Nov 2025 - 8:39PM

European Union

Opinion | Hopes of EU-China reset back amid US-China truce – but will it last?

Easing of pressure from Trump and signs of an end to Chinese subsidies for EVs could see the EU return to a softer diplomatic engagement.

7 Nov 2025 - 6:05AMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU says worst-case Nexperia scenario averted, China moves to restart chip sales

China ‘has been engaging with EU companies in recent days to restore the partial flow of chips’, spokesman says.

5 Nov 2025 - 12:43AMvideocam

The head office of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia is seen in Nijmegen, Netherlands, on October 14, after the Dutch government took control of the semiconductor company over governance shortcomings. Photo: AP

China-EU relations

EU welcomes rare earth control pause as US-China deal overshadows Brussels talks

Beijing to ease critical mineral curbs following Xi-Trump summit, but crisis talks in Belgium yield little relief for European firms.

1 Nov 2025 - 7:32PMvideocam

Workers transport soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China. Photo: Reuters

Semiconductors

Nexperia’s China factory cuts output as Dutch takeover deepens global chip supply tensions

Nexperia’s main China factory has cut production after Dutch authorities seized control of its headquarters.

27 Oct 2025 - 9:02PM

Semiconductors

Nexperia parent Wingtech warns of ‘cash flow risk’ despite 280% surge in profit

Wingtech’s semiconductor operations posted revenue of 4.3 billion yuan in the quarter, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

25 Oct 2025 - 6:00PM

China-EU relations

Von der Leyen vows to strike back against China as EU feels rare earths squeeze

The bloc is ready to use all of the tools at its disposal in response to Beijing’s export controls, commission chief says.

25 Oct 2025 - 5:51PMvideocam

137

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a new plan to counter China’s choke on rare earths. Photo: EPA

US-China tech war

Chinese investors grill listed companies with European units after Dutch move

Investors have asked at least seven companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen about risks stemming from their European units.

23 Oct 2025 - 9:00PM

Semiconductors

Nexperia China accuses Dutch head office of spreading misinformation to customers

The Dutch chipmaker’s head office continues to ‘disregard the lawful rights’ of the firm’s China entities, a post by Nexperia (Shanghai) says.

23 Oct 2025 - 4:40PM

SCMP Highlights

China pushes trilateral currency swap, new drone sighted: SCMP daily highlights

From Beijing agreeing to rare earth crisis talks with EU to outlook for Trump-Xi Apec summit meet, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

22 Oct 2025 - 9:52PM

A video of a large stealth “cranked kite” drone, unofficially dubbed the GJ-X, has been circulating on social media since October 19. Photo: X/ RupprechtDeino

China-EU relations

Europe, US still seek common ground on China, despite other policy differences

Washington’s envoys insist the EU must change its green, digital and economic policies but find more alignment than expected on Beijing.

1 Oct 2025 - 9:31PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump is “frustrated” by the European Union’s reluctance to put tariffs on China and India for buying Russian oil, an event in Brussels has heard. Photo: Reuters

China-EU relations

EU to curb AI chip flows to China as part of US trade deal

Deal includes US$40 billion of American AI chip imports and security standards blocking ‘technology leakage to destinations of concern’.

22 Aug 2025 - 12:13AMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU may have just deepened its reliance on the US, former Chinese envoy says

Former envoy to Germany Shi Mingde says Europe’s trade deal with Washington will not help the bloc achieve strategic autonomy.

31 Jul 2025 - 1:19PMvideocam

European Union

France slams US trade pact ‘submission’ amid relief and concern in Europe

While the pact is ‘the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances’, EU nations acknowledge there is more work to be done.

29 Jul 2025 - 1:38AMvideocam

An illustration shows a 3D-printed miniature of US President Donald Trump, EU flag and words “15% tariffs” on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

China-EU relations

Rare earth exports should never come between us, China’s Wang Yi tells Europe

China’s foreign minister tells news conference in Germany that Chinese authorities have a ‘fast-track channel’ for European companies.

4 Jul 2025 - 8:48PMvideocam

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (right) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shake hands at the end of their joint press conference in Berlin. Photo: dpa

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW

Maros Sefcovic

Germany’s Merz floats EU-China trade deal as European capitals soften on Beijing

Remarks urging ‘strategic partnerships around the world’ underscore how tensions with the US are inducing a more accommodating stance.

EU too slow to act as China rewrites global trade rules, trade chief Sefcovic warns

South American bloc and EU sign long-awaited FTA amid Trump’s tariffs

EU facing crunch talks over Ukraine, China and its economic future

EU leaders are set to meet amid growing concern in Brussels that the bloc’s divisions will impede meaningful action across a range of issues.

‘Big step forward’: UK rejoins Erasmus exchange programme in post-Brexit reset

After a five-year absence, the UK returns to the EU study abroad scheme, with 100,000 people estimated to benefit in the first year alone.

India-EU trade pact nears finish line despite carbon tax dispute and Russia

Brussels is looking past India’s ties with Moscow to secure a vital economic win, with analysts predicting a deal within months.

Back to the drawing board: EU revives faltering China de-risking plans

Twin proposals aim to boost economic arsenal while cutting China dependence as 27-nation bloc fights for survival in era of trade warfare.

Tensions flare as Wingtech slams chipmaker Nexperia’s head office over deception

The heightened tensions underscore the complexity in resolving the two sides’ dispute over the control of the Dutch chipmaker.

China, EU shift Nexperia strategy: let the companies work it out

Wang Wentao shifts focus to the boardroom but warns the Dutch government must still scrap the executive order and court ruling fuelling the crisis.

As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, EU scrambles for its dictionary

The EU is preparing to unveil a new doctrine on economic security, but it’s a concept that officials and experts say has no clear definition.

We have 1 year: rare earth control pause may help mend China-EU ties, envoy says

Bloc’s China ambassador says last month’s suspension creates ‘new stability’ and a chance to improve frosty relations.

EU claims agreement with China to unblock Nexperia chip flow

China will waive licensing requirements ‘provided that it is declared that the goods are intended for civilian use’, EU trade chief says.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Hopes of EU-China reset back amid US-China truce – but will it last?

Easing of pressure from Trump and signs of an end to Chinese subsidies for EVs could see the EU return to a softer diplomatic engagement.

EU says worst-case Nexperia scenario averted, China moves to restart chip sales

China ‘has been engaging with EU companies in recent days to restore the partial flow of chips’, spokesman says.

EU welcomes rare earth control pause as US-China deal overshadows Brussels talks

Beijing to ease critical mineral curbs following Xi-Trump summit, but crisis talks in Belgium yield little relief for European firms.

Nexperia’s China factory cuts output as Dutch takeover deepens global chip supply tensions

Nexperia’s main China factory has cut production after Dutch authorities seized control of its headquarters.

Nexperia parent Wingtech warns of ‘cash flow risk’ despite 280% surge in profit

Wingtech’s semiconductor operations posted revenue of 4.3 billion yuan in the quarter, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

Von der Leyen vows to strike back against China as EU feels rare earths squeeze

The bloc is ready to use all of the tools at its disposal in response to Beijing’s export controls, commission chief says.

Chinese investors grill listed companies with European units after Dutch move

Investors have asked at least seven companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen about risks stemming from their European units.

Nexperia China accuses Dutch head office of spreading misinformation to customers

The Dutch chipmaker’s head office continues to ‘disregard the lawful rights’ of the firm’s China entities, a post by Nexperia (Shanghai) says.

China pushes trilateral currency swap, new drone sighted: SCMP daily highlights

From Beijing agreeing to rare earth crisis talks with EU to outlook for Trump-Xi Apec summit meet, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Europe, US still seek common ground on China, despite other policy differences

Washington’s envoys insist the EU must change its green, digital and economic policies but find more alignment than expected on Beijing.

EU to curb AI chip flows to China as part of US trade deal

Deal includes US$40 billion of American AI chip imports and security standards blocking ‘technology leakage to destinations of concern’.

EU may have just deepened its reliance on the US, former Chinese envoy says

Former envoy to Germany Shi Mingde says Europe’s trade deal with Washington will not help the bloc achieve strategic autonomy.

France slams US trade pact ‘submission’ amid relief and concern in Europe

While the pact is ‘the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances’, EU nations acknowledge there is more work to be done.

Rare earth exports should never come between us, China’s Wang Yi tells Europe

China’s foreign minister tells news conference in Germany that Chinese authorities have a ‘fast-track channel’ for European companies.

Opinion | Hopes of EU-China reset back amid US-China truce – but will it last?