CHINA MONITOR

China Monitor (12/2023). The China-EU summit in Beijing took place in December and Admiral Dong Jun became the new Chinese defence minister. In Central and Eastern Europe, a Chinese electric car factory was announced in Hungary, and the Chinese embassy in Poland is intensifying contacts with local authorities. More information from December, along with the commentary, download here.

China Monitor (11/2023). November saw the meeting between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden in San Francisco. There are increasing signs of China's economic troubles, including the delay of the 3rd Plenum of the 20th Congress of the Central Committee. In addition, China continues to expand its military base in Cambodia. In Central and Eastern Europe, the normalisation of relations with China by Lithuania and the Czech Republic is underway, and Slovakia announces Chinese investment in electromobility. Download the entire November compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (10/2023). The main event of this month in China was the 3rd Belt and Road Forum, the course of which demonstrated the declining popularity of the Chinese initiative. In Central and Eastern Europe, Serbia and Hungary have confirmed that they want to be China's leading political partners on the European continent, and Slovakia may soon join this group. Download the entire October compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (9/2023). In September, Xi Jinping went on his first overseas visit in two years (to Central Asia), and Germany began to signal a correction of its trade policy with China. China's relations with Central and Eastern Europe saw a series of meetings at the level of the heads of foreign ministries (at the UN session in New York) and Belarus became China's "all-weather partner. Download the entire September compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (7-8/2023). In the past months, the Chinese economy has started to slow down noticeably, despite this, Beijing has been steadily developing foreign electromobility projects. In July, China concluded a strategic partnership with Georgia, and Germany announced its long-awaited China policy strategy.   In Central and Eastern Europe, China has concluded further deals for infrastructure projects, and Romania has not ruled out Lenovo's participation in building a 5G network. Download the entire July and August compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (6/2023). The main events in June were Antony Blinken's visit to China and Li Qiang's visits to Germany and France. In Central and Eastern Europe, of particular importance is the start of negotiations on the Sino-Serbian Free Trade Agreement, the visit of China's Special Envoy for the 16/14+1 format to Greece, Poland and Hungary, and China's protests against the Baidiucao exhibition in Warsaw. Download the entire June compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (5/2023). In May, Li Hui visited several European countries to discuss "the Ukraine crisis", and the China-Central Asia summit was held in Xi'an. In Central and Eastern Europe, Sino-Hungarian cooperation is flourishing, and new investments in electromobility have been announced. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

China Monitor (4/2023). In April, China was visited by the presidents of France and Brazil; a scandal erupted over a statement by a Chinese diplomat questioning the sovereignty of post-Soviet states. In addition, a Xi-Zelenski phone call eventually took place, and the Chinese embassy in Poland criticised Prime Minister Morawiecki's statement on the Taiwan issue. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

China Monitor (3/2023). In March, Xi Jinping made a state visit to Russia, China brokered the Iran-Saudi agreement, and China's investment involvement in Egypt is also growing. In addition, China held its annual "two sessions," which sealed Xi's consolidation of power. In Central and Eastern Europe, Alexander Lukashenko's visit to China and the Chinese reaction to strengthening Czech-Taiwan relations are noteworthy. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

China Monitor (2/2023). In February, Sino-US relations were tested over the "spy balloon" affair. China presented a proposal for solving the "Ukraine crisis", and Wang Yi visited several European capitals. In Central and Eastern Europe, China's friendship with Hungary is blossoming, while relations with the Czech Republic are becoming complicated. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

China Monitor (1/2023). In January, China's new foreign minister Qin Gang toured Africa and tensions grew between the US and China over the Russian aggression against Ukraine. In Central and Eastern Europe, the decade of "restart" between the Czech Republic and China is coming to an end, while in Hungary, social resistance to CATL investments is growing. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

China Monitor (12/2022). The end of the year brought a sharp retreat of the PRC authorities from the "zero-Covid" policy, several personnel changes in Chinese diplomacy, and intensifying Sino-Russian contacts at the highest level. In Central and Eastern Europe, China and Hungary established an intergovernmental cooperation committee on the Belt and Road Initiative. The deputy head of the CCP's International Liaison Department, Qian Hongshan, visited Serbia as part of the party diplomacy. More information from December, along with the commentary, download here.

China Monitor (9/2022). In September, Xi Jinping went on his first overseas visit in two years (to Central Asia), and Germany began to signal a correction of its trade policy with China. China's relations with Central and Eastern Europe saw a series of meetings at the level of the heads of foreign ministries (at the UN session in New York) and Belarus became China's "all-weather partner. Download the entire September compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (7-8/2022). In July and August, news about China focused on Xi Jinping's inspection in Xinjiang, a UN report criticising the violation of human rights in the region, Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan and Chinese investments in Africa. In Central and Eastern Europe, Estonia and Latvia decided to quit the 16 + 1 format, and Hungary is becoming a leading centre for producing Chinese car batteries. Download the entire July and August compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (6/2022). In June, Xi Jinping had a phone call with Vladmir Putin, one should also note personnel changes in Chinese diplomacy. Moreover, the NATO summit in Madrid highlighted the threats from China, and in Kenya, China entered the domestic policy agenda. In Central and Eastern Europe a large Chinese investment in Hungary has been announced, and the online meeting between China’s and Poland’s Foreign Ministers took place. Download the entire June compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (5/2022). In May, news from China was dominated by the zero Covid policy and the propaganda spin on the UN Human Rights Commissioner in Xinjiang; moreover, US Secretary Blinken outlined his vision of China's containment. In Central and Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic is distancing itself from the 16+1 format, and Serbia is cementing anti-NATO identity ties with China.  Download the entire May news with commentary here.

China Monitor (2/2022). In February, news from Beijing was focused on China's stance toward the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In Central and Eastern Europe, Serbia plans to enter into a free trade agreement with China, and Hungary, Russia and Austria, are launching a company servicing rail transport from China. Given China's "positive neutrality" towards Russian aggression against Ukraine, NATO members of the 16 + 1 format should review its participation in the multilateral format with China. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

China Monitor (1/2022). In January, China began to support Russia's demands on Ukraine and convened a summit of Central Asian leaders. In Africa, social discontent is growing in the context of rising debt owed to China. In Central and Eastern Europe, Taiwan is trying to neutralize Chinese economic retaliation against Lithuania, Slovenia is signaling an intensification of relations with Taiwan, and the EU attempted to move the Vilnius-Beijing crisis to the WTO forum. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

China Monitor (12/2021). December saw the PRC-Russia leaders' summit; Nicaragua established diplomatic relations with China and severed ties with Taiwan. The Beijing-Vilnius diplomatic spat escalates in Central and Eastern Europe, and Estonia mules 16 + 1 exit. Moreover, China's CITIC continues the disinvestment process from Slavia Prague, and the Chinese car battery giant is getting ready to invest in CEE. More information from December, along with the commentary, download here.

China Monitor (11/2021). November saw the 6th Plenum of the 19th CCP Congress and a new resolution on party history. Moreover, China is betting on nuclear energy, the new ruling coalition in Germany has announced a programmatic document including China policy; a new set of 'Xinjiang papers' was leaked. In Central and Eastern Europe, there is a growing crisis in China-Lithuania relations, and Estonia has signaled an exit from 16 + 1. Download the entire November compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (10/2021). In October, information from the PRC was dominated by the energy crisis, a huge surplus in foreign trade exchange and the promotion of seven new provincial party chiefs. Central and Eastern Europe witnessed a diplomatic offensive by Taiwan under the banner of fighting authoritarianism, which the PRC is trying to neutralize by referring to "traditional friendship". Download the entire October compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (9/2021). In September, the PRC authorities opened another chapter of the regulatory offensive, and the developer giant Evergrande stood on the brink of bankruptcy; in international politics, the emergence of AUKUS (defense pact against China), the dismissal of Meng Wanzhou and Xi Jinping's declaration to stop investing in coal-fired power plants abroad. In Central and Eastern Europe, tensions on the Vilnius-Beijing line continue; China has frozen the loan for the construction of the potassium complex in Belarus. In Washington, legislative work is underway on an act supporting the development of a secure 5G network in CEE. Download the entire September compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (7-8/2021). In July, the CCP celebrated its 100th anniversary, returning more and more clearly to the Leninist model of the party, state and society management; in August, China faced a new situation in Afghanistan following the US withdrawal. In Central and Eastern Europe, there is a boiling point on the Beijing-Vilnius line, in Serbia, environmental controversies are growing against the background of Chinese investments, and Montenegro has managed to reach an agreement on the refinancing of the Chinese loan. Download the entire July and August compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (6/2021). In June, commentators' attention was focused on the G7 summit and the establishment of the 3BW initiative, an alternative to the Belt and Road, as well as discussions on maintaining the "wolf" course of Chinese diplomacy. In the context of Central and Eastern Europe, we should note the 16+1 trade fair in Ningbo, the growing controversy over the construction of a branch of Fudan University in Budapest, and information on Chinese political pressure on Ukraine in the context of vaccine supplies. Download the entire June compilation with commentary here.

China Monitor (5/2021). In May, commentators reported that China's population is growing at the slowest rate in 60 years. PRC government decided to end the "two-child" policy, while the European Union suspended work on an investment agreement with the PRC. In Central and Eastern Europe, Lithuania left the 17+1 format, and China conducted a diplomatic "rescue operation" to save the 16+1 from disintegration. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

China Monitor (4/2021). In April, the Chinese government imposed high fines on the Jack Ma empire, continued vaccine diplomacy, and watched the consolidation of the US-Japan joint front. In Central and Eastern Europe, Montenegro returned to debt talks with China, Hungary blocked a joint EU statement criticizing Beijing's Hong Kong policy and signed a loan agreement with China to build a Fudan University campus in Budapest. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

China Monitor (3/2021). Highlights in March included a diplomatic clash in Alaska and EU-China mutual sanctions around the situation in Xinjiang. In Central and Eastern Europe, the future of the 17+1 format is at stake. One should also look at a visit by the PRC defense minister and Serbia conducting its own vaccine diplomacy with the help of a Chinese "patron." Download the entire March news with commentary here.

China Monitor (2/2021). In February, Western countries discussed the Chinese repression of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, which is increasingly perceived as genocide. The PRC launched a new campaign on the history of the CCP, and the economy recorded record current account surpluses. In Central and Eastern Europe, the news was dominated by the 17+1 summit in Beijing and China's vaccine diplomacy. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

China Monitor (1/2021). In Davos Xi Jinping tried to convince the world of China's model of multilateralism, and the United States began responding offensively to Chinese development loans in Latin America. In Central and Eastern Europe, the PRC stepped up diplomatic efforts ahead of the 17+1 summit. The Czech Republic excluded China from nuclear power plant expansion project and Romania from infrastructure projects. Serbia and Hungary were opting for Chinese vaccines. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

China Monitor (12/2020). In the PRC, the end of 2020 brought further revelations of the authorities' confrontation with Jack Ma's empire, the conclusion of negotiations on an investment agreement with the EU, and symbolic commemorations of the Nanking Massacre. In Central and Eastern Europe, the past year ended without a 17+1 summit, for the first time in the format's eight-year history. In addition, COSCO is trying to warm up its image in Piraeus, and a Chinese investor withdrew from Tirana Airport. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

China Monitor (11/2020). November highlights include the formation of the Developed Regional Economic Partnership (RCEP), which covers one-third of the world's population and economy. In addition, the rising tension between Beijing and Canberra and the publication of China's "14 allegations" against Australia are worth noting. In the context of China's cooperation with the CEE region, it is worth noting Hungary's opposition to foreign interference in PRC's internal affairs and the worsening perception of China in the countries of the region - according to the conclusions of the Sinophone Borderlands report. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

China Monitor (10/2020). In October, events at the central level were dominated by the 5th Plenum of the 19th CCP Congress, which signaled an extension of Xi Jinping's rule for another term and a course toward state self-sufficiency. In Central and Eastern Europe, more countries distanced themselves from cooperation with Huawei. Yang Jiechi went to Serbia to "protect the interests of developing countries". In the context of Guangdong, Xi Jinping's "inspection of the South" and the growing importance of Shenzhen as the vanguard of Chinese modernity are noteworthy. In Western China, on the other hand, the central authorities unveiled a plan for the economic integration of two rival metropolises: Chengdu and Chongqing. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

China Monitor (9/2020). In September, global public attention was drawn to President Xi Jinping's pledge to decarbonize China's economy by 2060. Germany signaled Huawei's exclusion from the 5G market, defeating China in Europe's most significant telecommunications market. Kenya is suffocating under the weight of Chinese debt. In Central and Eastern Europe, the US has begun to actively push back Chinese influence in the Balkans. Download the entire September news with commentary here.

China Monitor (7-8/2020). In July and August, China was hit by catastrophic flooding, Beijing established a new multilateral format for Central Asia, and the US began sanctioning officials responsible for repression in Xinjiang. Foreign Ministry chief Wang Yi's visit to Europe also ended in an image fiasco. In addition, Serbian-Chinese military cooperation developed, and a diplomatic storm broke out after the Czech Senate President's visit to Taiwan. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

China Monitor (6/2020). In June, clashes on the Sino-Indian border escalated, G7 countries condemned Beijing's assault on Hong Kong's autonomy, and the US introduced sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for the repression of Uighurs. In Central and Eastern Europe, the election campaign in Serbia with China in the background and plans to create "medical centers" in case of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic draw attention. For the entire June edition with commentary, click here.

China Monitor (5/2020). In May, the PRC introduced the Hong Kong National Security Law, effectively marking the end of the territory's autonomy; moreover, the two sessions (liang hui) failed to clarify the economic goal. In Central and Eastern Europe, China became the object of discussion at the EU-Western Balkans summit, the Czech Republic signed a declaration with the US on 5G, and Romania withdrew from Chinese nuclear. A Spanish consulate and a Sino-Japanese creative industries zone will open in Sichuan. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

China Monitor (4/2020). In April, the intensifying nationalism and aggressive posture of Chinese diplomacy led to a marked increase in anti-Chinese sentiment worldwide. The EU called on member states to fight against Chinese takeovers. Hungary signed a (secret) loan agreement with China to upgrade the Budapest-Belgrade railroad. In Guangzhou, Africans fell victim to a racist backlash that escalated into a diplomatic dispute between several African countries and the PRC. Sichuan, meanwhile, has established a partnership agreement with Japan's Wakayama Prefecture. Download the entire April news and commentary here.

China Monitor (3/2020). March brought a disastrous outlook for China's economy and the authorities' announcement of success in fighting the epidemic, despite numerous reports questioning the reliability of Chinese data on the number of infected and victims of the epidemic. China has also launched a diplomatic offensive as part of its "policy of generosity" and a disinformation campaign trying to blame Western countries for the epidemic. In Central and Eastern Europe, the actions of the Serbian government show how China's influence in the war on the narrative with the West will play out in the countries of the global South. And in the context of Sichuan, which has a new deputy governor, the sharp slowdown in the economy is drawing attention. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

China Monitor (2/2020). In February, events in China were dominated by the fight against the coronavirus epidemic and its social, political, and economic consequences. In Munich, there was a U.S.-Chinese confrontation over words, and in Prague, the PRC embassy tried to put financial pressure on Czech authorities over their relationship with Taiwan. In Sichuan and Guangdong, foreign activity has almost ceased due to the outbreak. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

China Monitor (1/2020). Highlights from China in January included an outbreak of coronavirus (2019-nCoV); the severing of city partnerships between Prague and Shanghai; and the working out of a joint UK-EU decision on Huawei and 5G within Europe. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

China Monitor (12/2019). The last month of 2019 brought the PRC authorities' decision to gradually remove foreign computer hardware and software from public offices and institutions. At the same time, Beijing reached a preliminary trade agreement with Washington, which will be approved in January 2020. Events in Central and Eastern Europe were dominated by the Chinese loan to Belarus and the continuation of scandals with China in the background in the Czech Republic. A trilateral summit with the leaders of the PRC, the Republic of Korea and Japan was held in Sichuan. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

China Monitor (11/2019). Two events dominated the PRC news in November: the leak of documents on the Xinjiang reeducation camps and the plebiscite-like Hong Kong district elections had a negative outcome for the central authorities in Beijing. In Central and Eastern Europe, the most important events were Xi Jinping's visit to Greece and signing a comprehensive strategic partnership and Hungary's decision to build a 5G network in cooperation with Huawei. As for the foreign activity of Chinese local authorities, the meeting with representatives of CEE political parties organized in Beijing by the International Liaison Department of the CCP Central Committee is noteworthy. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

China Monitor (10/2019). The PRC turned 70 in October, which was accompanied by the 4th Plenum of the 19th Congress. Both events reaffirmed the primacy of the party over the state. In Europe, Germany's stance on cooperation with Huawei was softening, which will have far-reaching implications for Sino-European relations. The situation in the Czech Republic resulted in the biggest rift in Czech-Chinese relations in recent years. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

China Monitor (9/2019). Events in September were dominated by protests in Hong Kong and Li Keqiang's visit to Russia. The CEE region saw important declarations from Poland and Romania on 5G, and Lithuania opposed the Chinese embassy's actions. In Guangzhou's foreign activity, one should note the building of cross-party relations with the Indian People's Party (BJP). Download the entire September news with commentary here.

China Monitor (7-8/2019). In July and August, the world's attention turned to the escalating protests in Hong Kong and another exchange of blows in the US-China trade war. Central and Eastern Europe saw a visit by Foreign Ministry chief Wang Yi; Hungary is strengthening cooperation with Huawei, and Poland has begun looking for a 5G service provider in Sweden. The foreign activities of Guangzhou were highlighted by the visit of the youth of Spanish political parties and the activities of the Department of International Communications of the CCP. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

China Monitor (6/2019). In June, mass protests erupted in Hong Kong against the extradition law, a truce in the US-China trade war was reached in Osaka, and Moscow consolidated the China-Russia partnership. In Central and Eastern Europe, one should note new reports on the Budapest-Belgrade railroad project. A Chinese company will build the region's largest photovoltaic farm in Hungary. The head of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Stefan Blok, paid a visit to Sichuan, and the Czech deputy minister of trade and industry, Marian Piecha, went to Guangzhou. Download the entire June news with commentary here.

China Monitor (5/2019). In May, the Sino-American trade war escalated and officially focused on the technology sector. In Central and Eastern Europe, the Serbian authorities designated Huawei as a top partner in the country's digitization process. A significant port conference was held in Guangzhou, and Sichuan is strengthening relations with Israel. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

China Monitor (4/2019). April brought the China-EU Summit in Brussels and the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. In Central and Eastern Europe, the "16+1" was expanded to include Greece at the Dubrovnik Summit. As for Sichuan's foreign activity, the promotion of inter-civilizational dialogue is worth noting, taking into account the refreshed narrative in the PRC's central diplomacy. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

China Monitor (3/2019). In March, China held "Two Sessions" and announced a new law for foreign investors. Xi Jinping launched a diplomatic offensive in Europe, and Italy officially became part of the "Belt and Road". In Central and Eastern Europe, preparations are underway for the "16+1" summit in Croatia and the probable expansion of the format to include Greece. In Guangzhou's foreign activities, the promotion of the Nansha district in Europe and Israel attract attention. In turn, Chengdu is developing cargo air links with Brussels. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

China Monitor (2/2019). In February, Turkey became the first country in the Muslim world to officially criticize China for its oppressive policies in Xinjiang, while Saudi Arabia expressed support. Events in Central and Eastern Europe were dominated by the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who warned allies that using Huawei's services would prevent cooperation with Washington. In the Guangdong context, the publication of the Greater Bay Arena development plan draws attention, and in Sichuan, a party visit from Niger is worth noting. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

China Monitor (1/2019). In January, China's probe landed on the "dark" side of the moon. Although the Justice Department brought charges against Huawei ahead of the talks in Washington, moderate optimism was brewing in Sino-US trade negotiations. In Central and Eastern Europe, the beginning of the year was dominated by the arrest of one of Huawei's directors in Poland on espionage charges. In Sichuan, there was a visit of the head of the Czech Communists, Vojtech Filip, and Guangdong was losing economically to Huawei and ZTE. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

China Monitor (12/2018). In December, Trump and Xi announced a temporary truce in the trade war, and the controversy surrounding telecommunications giant Huawei has already spread to Central and Eastern Europe. At the end of the year, Serbia received approval to join the AIIB, and Portugal officially joined the Belt and Road. Sichuan and Guangdong hosted a visit of German President Walter Steinmeier, and cities of Australia, Iran, Kenya and Cyprus joined partnership with Guangzhou. Download the entire December news with commentary herej.

China Monitor (11/2018). In November, China rejected the joint communiqué of the APEC summit in Papua New Guinea and launched a diplomatic offensive in southern Europe. In Central and Eastern Europe, Prime Minister Orban is lobbying for the internationalization of the Chinese currency, and Poland is increasingly signaling support for the US in its dispute with China. Chengdu welcomed a Polish People's Party delegation, and the Polish Investment and Trade Agency opened an office there. Guangzhou forms another "triple alliance" of cities - this time with Frankfurt and Lyon. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

China Monitor (10/2018). October saw the Japanese prime minister's first visit to China in seven years. Xi Jinping made a "trip to the South," but it's hard to read it as an impetus for a new chapter of Chinese reforms. In Central and Eastern Europe, Hungary and Serbia compete to be China's No. 1 partner. Chengdu is strengthening relations with Sapporo, and Guangzhou is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its partnership with Fukuoka. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

China Monitor (9/2018). China hosted the FOCAC summit in September and once again responded to US moves in the trade war. In Central and Eastern Europe, President Vucic's visit to Beijing and the consolidation of the political dimension of Sino-Serbian relations are noteworthy. In addition, Italy has entered into a partnership with Sichuan province. The country is preparing to officially join the "Belt and Road," which puts into question the project of monitoring Chinese investments by the EU and the EU's Europe-Asia infrastructure investment plan announced in September. Download the entire September news story with commentary here.

China Monitor (7-8/2018). The US-China trade war escalated in July and August. The 7th "16+1" Summit was held in Sofia, demonstrating the region's place in the EU-US-PRC triangle. On a local level, Chengdu is strengthening its relationship with Moscow and 10,000 freight trains have already traveled between China and Europe. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

China Monitor (6/2018). In June, China hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit strengthening security cooperation with Russia. In Central and Eastern Europe, Hungary assured that the Budapest-Belgrade railroad project will be completed within five years. However, Chinese investment appears to be a tool for developing China's trade relations, primarily with Western Europe. Sichuan Province joins another mechanism for cooperation between Chinese and Russian local entities, while the capital city of Chengdu becomes a "city of artistic cooperation" between China and CEE. Download the entire June news release with commentary here.

China Monitor (5/2018). Xi met again with Kim in May, and Li Keqiang worked to improve relations with Japan and Korea. In Central and Eastern Europe, CITIC is acquiring the assets of CEFC Europe, and a Chinese car battery factory will be built in Poland. Alaska's governor visited Sichuan and Chancellor Angela Merkel flew to Guangdong. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

China Monitor (4/2018). China's foreign policy in April saw a further deepening of relations with Russia, with the largest Chinese naval maneuvers ever held in the South China Sea. The ambassadors of Central and Eastern European countries, with the exception of Hungary, signed the EU report criticizing the limited access to the Chinese market. In Sichuan, a new rail link to Vienna was inaugurated and Austrian authorities attended the opening of their consular representation. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

China Monitor (3/2018). March saw the "lianghui" sealing fundamental changes in China's political system. In addition, a landmark meeting between Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un took place in Beijing. In Central and Eastern Europe, the discussion on the future of "16+1" heated up. In the Czech Republic, the turmoil over the CEFC troubles continues. In Sichuan, there was a change in the CCP secretary's position. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

China Monitor (2/2018). In February, the CCP announced regime changes paving the way for Xi Jinping's long-term rule. Anti-Chinese protectionism was on the rise around the world. In the context of Central and Eastern Europe, the arrest of Ye Jianming, head of the powerful conglomerate CEFC and advisor to President Zeman, is noteworthy. In addition, Xi Jinping went to Sichuan for a New Year's inspection, and Sichuan Deputy Governor Yang Xingping visited Poland. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

China Monitor (1/2018). In January, China hosted President Macron, began settling trade with Pakistan in yuan, and consolidated multilateral cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean. In Central and Eastern Europe, CEFC's expansion in the Czech Republic is facing difficulties, and in Croatia, a Chinese consortium reported success indicating that companies from the Middle Kingdom are capable of competing in open infrastructure tenders in the EU. Download the entire January news release along with commentary here.

China Monitor (12/2017). December was another month of struggle for China against the North Korean regime and brought the takeover of the Sri Lankan port of Hambantota. In Central and Eastern Europe, 2017 was a time of warming economic and political relations with Ukraine. Guangzhou hosted the Global Fortune Forum in December, reaffirming its status as a leading global business center, and Sichuan cleared its 1,000th international freight train, putting it in a leadership position in all of China in this regard. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

China Monitor (11/2017). Donald Trump visited Beijing in November; the visit was dominated by trade issues and the North Korea problem, which will now be the barometer of US-China relations. The sixth summit of the "16+1" format was held in Central and Eastern Europe, and new rail links to Europe and Southeast Asia opened in Sichuan. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

China Monitor (10/2017). October in central politics was dominated by the 19th CCP Congress, which solidified Xi Jinping's position as the leader who will lead China to a "national rebirth". In Central and Eastern Europe, there is growing traffic and competition in the railway sector. The change of leadership in Guangdong means Xi Jinping is taking control of China's wealthiest province. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

China Monitor (8-9/2017). In domestic politics, August and September marked the last political reshuffle before the 19th CCP Congress, with Xi Jinping striking the Communist Youth faction and Sun Zhengcai being expelled from the party. In foreign policy, the PRC is imposing more sanctions on North Korea and trying to control capital outflows. In turn, the EU begins to vet Chinese investments in key sectors for the European economy. The authorities of Chengdu established new agreements on cooperation with Polish cities and Polish Television, and Guangzhou signed a partnership agreement with Piraeus and Tirana.  Download the entire August and September news with commentary here.

China Monitor (7/2017). In July, CCP Secretary in Chongqing Sun Zhengcai was charged with "serious violation of party discipline" and removed from office. The charge effectively derailed the political career of the 53-year-old Sun, who had been mentioned among Xi Jinping's potential successors. In Central and Eastern Europe, we are witnessing numerous visits by high-ranking CCP representatives and a tightening of political relations, which are beginning to dominate economic activity. Sichuan, meanwhile, is developing local cooperation with the United States. Download the entire July news with commentary here.

China Monitor (6/2017). Last month, California authorities undertook to represent the United States on the climate policy agenda with China, demonstrating the growing importance of paradiplomacy in international relations. Of particular note in the context of China's activity in Europe is the Greek government's decision to block an EU statement on China's human rights record, directly related to Chinese investments that have been pouring into debt-ridden Greece for several years. June was a month of increased activity in Guangdong's foreign policy. Indicated as a strong candidate to lead after Xi Jinping, Secretary Hu Chunhua made important foreign visits to Israel, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The entire June news with commentary download here.

China Monitor (5/2017). In May, Chinese news was dominated by the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, the success of which is incomplete due to the absence of the leaders of France, Germany and the UK. The enormous scale of the resources committed by China is beginning to raise doubts about whether it will overextend itself in its expansion. In Central and Eastern Europe, Hungary joined Serbia, the Czech Republic and Poland as strategic partnerships with China. New terminals and airports are being built in Sichuan and Guangdong to serve a growing network of foreign flights. Will Warsaw be among them? Read the full news from May, along with commentary here.

China Monitor (4/2017). In April, events at the central level were dominated by Donald Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping and attempted to discipline North Korea. Zhang Gaoli and Zhang Dejiang visited east and central Europe. There were changes in the CCP leadership positions in Chengdu and Shenzhen. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

China Monitor (3/2017). In March, the OZPL and LPRKCh held "two sessions, " which are a prelude to China's most important political event this year - the 19th CCP Congress. In Central and Eastern Europe, attention is drawn to the investment in the security services market in Poland and the inauguration of a freight rail link from Chengdu to Minsk. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

China Monitor (2/2017). In February, China rebuked North Korea by halting coal imports. In the Balkans, freight trains from Piraeus began arriving in Hungary, but the construction of a high-speed rail line between Belgrade and Budapest came into question. Singapore activity increased in Chongqing and Guangdong. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

China Monitor (1/2017). In January, Xi Jinping defended globalization and free trade at Davos, and the United States withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. In Central and Eastern Europe, last month belonged to Hungary, which is strengthening economic cooperation with China. Sichuan Province is strengthening relations with Spain, and Guangdong has seen the start of a new governor's rule. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

China Monitor (13/2016). Last month brought the first direct conversation between the leaders of the United States and Taiwan in nearly four decades and a thaw in Norwegian-Chinese relations. The end of 2016 in Central and Eastern Europe saw Chinese investment in the Czech railroad and opening a Swiss consulate in Chengdu. December also saw the launch of a new column in,, Monitor" in which we will report on the foreign activity of Guangdong Province, with a particular focus on Poland. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

China Monitor (12/2016). In November, Xi Jinping visited South America, whose importance in foreign policy is growing rapidly. In Central and Eastern Europe, there was a meeting of prime ministers of countries that are part of the ,,16+1″ initiative, hosted by Riga. And for Sichuan, it was a month of active international activity. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

China Monitor (11/2016). In October, the Chinese currency was included in the SDR basket and there was a radical change in China's relations with the Philippines. In Central and Eastern Europe, there is a storm following the Dalai Lama's visit to Slovakia and the Czech Republic and Hungary's proposal to establish a strategic partnership of the CEE region with China. In Sichuan, Minister Gowin's visit and the opening of the Center for Polish Studies. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

China Monitor (10/2016). September in China was dominated by the G20 summit in Hangzhou on the occasion of which China and the US declared ratification of the Climate Convention. In addition, numerous changes in party leadership at the provincial level (including in Tianjin, Tibet and Xinjiang) foreshadowing a power struggle at next year's 19th CCP Congress, and Chengdu was ranked as one of China's most innovative cities. Download the entire September news with commentary here.

China Monitor (8-9/2016). In July and August, China's foreign policy focused on neutralizing the Hague Arbitration Tribunal verdict and working for Beijing to be granted market economy status by the EU. Rail and air links are increasing between China and Central and Eastern Europe, and Chengdu hosted the last G20 ministerial meeting before the Group's upcoming Hangzhou Summit. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

China Monitor (7/2016). June in Central and Eastern Europe was dominated by Xi Jinping's visits to Serbia and Poland, with Hungary declaring support for granting China market economy status. Sichuan, on the other hand, is betting strongly on innovation. Download the entire June news with commentary here.

China Monitor (6/2016). In China's relations with Central Europe, an interesting initiative of meetings of Supreme Court presidents should be noted and in bilateral relations, the 4th Strategic Dialogue between Poland and China. From the point of view of the development of local relations, the most interesting were the visits of Sichuan Secretary Wang Dongming to Poland, the Czech Republic, and Russia. Dr. Bartosz Kowalski provides an interesting commentary on these events. Download all the information from May here.

China Monitor (5/2016). Special Edition). On May 16, 1966, the "Cultural Revolution" was launched. It led to the breakdown of the state and the institutional apparatus, but Mao Zedong regained power in the created chaos. As the Chinese proverb says, "in murky water it is easier to catch fish" - in the chaos, using students, political opponents were eliminated and the "great helmsman" was great again. The cost is not likely to be discussed. The Special Edition contains a chronological summary of the period 1966-1969 and a short commentary by Professor D. Mierzejewski. Download all the material here.

China Monitor (4/2016). China is testing the patience of its neighbors in the South China Sea. In domestic politics, one can see problems of state-owned companies and the shrinking budgets of local governments. In addition, Witold Waszczykowski's visit to China brings expectations for Chinese investments in the Vistula River and emphasizes the importance of relations between Lodz Province and Sichuan and the Lodz-Chengdu railroad for Polish-Chinese relations. Download the entire April news story here.

China Monitor (3/2016). During the OZPL session, Li Keqiang assured the Chinese people and the world that the Chinese economy is stable and presented the assumptions of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020). However, the economic slowdown is a fact: there is a crisis in the mining and metallurgical sectors in which mass layoffs have begun. Besides, competition in railroad transport on the route between Europe and China is growing, and the Czech Republic has grown into a leader in regional cooperation with China. Download the entire March news story here.

China Monitor (2/2016). At the central level, meetings between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the US Secretary of State were key. In relations with Central and Eastern Europe, a new partnership agreement between Prague and Beijing was noteworthy and in Sichuan, personnel changes and a younger generation of activists came to power. We invite you to read! Download the entire February news with commentary here.

China Monitor (1/2016). In Chinese activities, January was characterized by attempts to persuade the European Union to grant market economy status, in Central Europe by actions in Latvia and deepening cooperation with the Czech Republic. And Sichuan reported a recurring GDP. We invite you to read more! Download the entire January news with commentary here.

China Monitor (12/2015). Here you will find the most important news from the PRC with commentary. In December one should take a look at the inclusion of the RMB - the Chinese currency in the SDR basket, the adoption of the RMB by Zimbabwe as the national currency, the visit of a large Hungarian delegation to China and the efforts of the Sichuan provincial government for an air cargo link with Europe. We invite you to read more! Download the entire December news with commentary here.