Dear Focus Reader,
As we approach the second-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the European Union is gearing up to impose sanctions for the first time on Chinese companies allegedly aiding Russia in circumventing Western penalties. These sanctions represent the 27-member bloc's latest measures aimed at shutting down loopholes that they believe allow Russia to divert military technology through third countries to its weapons factories. According to an EU official, the next round of measures levied against Russia could be ready later this month.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is currently in Europe for the Munich Security Conference, where he's expected to meet with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the conference, as well as British Foreign Secretary David Cameron in a separate meeting. This encounter with Cameron, the first since he assumed office, comes amid heightened scrutiny from the UK over human rights and national security concerns. Wang also plans to stop in Paris and Madrid following the conference.
It's anticipated that Wang will give remarks at the security conference elaborating on China's propositions on "building a community with a shared future for mankind and advocating an equal and orderly multipolar world."
Additionally, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is also in Munich, and delivered a pointed address advocating for a steadfast stance against authoritarianism and isolationism. Harris also critiqued the policies of former President Donald Trump and emphasized the Biden administration's commitment to upholding global security frameworks and supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Stay up to date on the latest global developments by catching up on our latest Focus content, including topics on China-U.S. cooperation, trade, and China's economy.
The number of years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.
Learn more in "From Guardrails to Boundaries," by Han Liqun, a Researcher at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.
The Wondrous Zimingzhong Clocks Exhibition
Watch VideoIn our Focus Insights section, we shared an interview with Harvard University Professor Joseph Nye where he discusses global cooperation and economic decoupling between the U.S. and China.
We want to hear from you:
Do you agree with Joseph Nye's characterization of the current state of U.S.-China relations as a "cooperative rivalry?" What do you see as the biggest challenges to achieving cooperation between the U.S. and China, and how do you think these challenges can be addressed?
Submit your thoughts to USeditor@chinausfocus.com for a chance to be featured in next week's Focus This Week.
Prepared by China-US Focus editorial teams in Hong Kong and New York, this weekly newsletter offers you snap shots of latest trends and developments emerging from China and the U.S. every week. It is a community space to exchange thoughts and ideas about the China-U.S. relationship and beyond.