This year will remain of particular significance for relations between Brussels and Beijing: Starting with the political agreement on CAI - and ending with the present trade blockade of Lithuania. A review of the diplomatically challenging year of 2021.
By Amelie Richter
In the unprecedented trade dispute between EU member Lithuania and China, Beijing is now trying to put pressure on companies from other EU states. The EU wants to mediate, but according to media reports, an attempt at talks with the Chinese customs authority has been turned down. Will a WTO complaint now be filed?
By Amelie Richter
David versus Goliath: The dispute between Beijing and Lithuania has reached a new level. For several days, Chinese customs blocked goods from the Baltic EU state. Shortly before the presentation of the EU's instrument against economic coercion, China is thus providing a prime example of a possible application of the new EU instrument. Details of this defense mechanism have yet to be worked out. Experts warn that member states could dilute it.
By Amelie Richter