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Huawei Reconsiders Future of Its New French Factory Amid Europe’s Tougher Stance

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Huawei is reassessing the future of its newly completed manufacturing plant in eastern France as slow 5G deployment and growing restrictions on Chinese telecom equipment reshape its European plans. The €200 million facility near Strasbourg, finished in September, remains unused, with officials and executives suggesting the company is undecided about proceeding. The plant was meant to produce wireless base-station equipment and create up to 500 jobs, marking Huawei’s first manufacturing site in Europe.

Europe’s political climate has shifted significantly since the project was announced, with several governments toughening their stance on Chinese technology. Germany recently moved to ban Chinese components from future 6G networks, while broader EU measures aim to phase out Chinese telecom equipment. These developments, combined with sluggish 5G uptake, have placed Huawei in a difficult strategic position. Local authorities also cancelled a previously agreed €800,000 subsidy due to persistent uncertainty around the project’s future.

Sources say Huawei is considering “all options,” including selling the 52,000-square-metre site, with industrial groups already touring the facility. Security concerns and policy shifts have slowed the company’s ambitions in Europe despite its 35–40% market share in 4G and 5G equipment. While its European prospects dim, Huawei is experiencing strong growth in other sectors such as smartphones and smart-driving technology, prompting analysts to suggest the company may redirect resources where demand is rising fastest.

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Wingtech Invites Nexperia Custodians for Talks Amid Ongoing Governance Dispute

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Wingtech Technology, the Chinese parent company of Dutch chipmaker Nexperia, has invited the court-appointed custodians of Nexperia to discuss control of the company—seen as a potential first step toward easing months of internal tensions. The rift between Nexperia’s European management and its Chinese parent deepened after the Dutch government intervened in September, leading to a court ruling that removed Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezheng as CEO over concerns he intended to shift production to China.

Although both sides have signaled interest in dialogue, they disagree on the agenda. Nexperia says it wants talks focused on restoring normal supply chain operations, which have been hit by wafer shipment stoppages, unpaid invoices and growing chip shortages that have affected global automakers. Wingtech, however, insists discussions must first address the restoration of its ownership rights and lawful control over the company.

Court-appointed custodian Arnold Croiset van Uchelen confirmed receiving Wingtech’s invitation but declined to share details of any upcoming meeting. Meanwhile, Nexperia’s Chinese packaging arm has declared itself independent and is seeking Chinese-made wafers, while the European unit has halted shipments to China. With dwindling chip inventories, the auto industry fears fresh shortages may emerge as early as January.

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Macron’s China Visit Amid Europe’s Delicate Balancing Act

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French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to China from December 3 to 5 as Europe attempts to navigate a complex balance between economic dependence and strategic rivalry with Beijing. His agenda includes meetings with President Xi Jinping in Beijing and Chengdu, where he is expected to push for fairer trade conditions, stronger market access, and more balanced technological cooperation. The visit comes as EU-China relations face growing strain, with Brussels warning that ties have reached a critical turning point.

Europe’s concerns centre on China’s surge of low-cost exports—especially steel—and its dominance in electric vehicles and rare earth processing, which pose risks to key European industries. As Washington’s tariffs reshape global trade, China is positioning itself as a business-friendly alternative, even as EU leaders remain wary of Beijing’s support for Russia and its heavily subsidised industrial model. Macron’s team says he will press for a rebalanced relationship that encourages Chinese domestic consumption and shared innovation benefits.

The European Union is preparing a tougher economic security strategy, considering more assertive trade measures against China. France has backed higher tariffs on Chinese EV imports, triggering a year-long Chinese investigation into French brandy in what many saw as retaliation. Despite Airbus expanding its presence in China, a major aircraft deal is not expected during Macron’s trip, reflecting Beijing’s strategic use of aviation purchases in its broader geopolitical negotiations.

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Nexperia Chip Shipments Resume Amid Easing Trade Tensions

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Semiconductor maker Nexperia has restarted some chip deliveries after weeks of disruption caused by a dispute between the Netherlands and China over technology transfers. German officials welcomed the signs of “de-escalation,” expressing hope that temporary permits would soon restore supply to Europe’s major automotive industry.

Germany’s Aumovio has secured exemptions from Chinese export controls, becoming the first supplier to confirm resumed access to Nexperia chips. Honda also reported progress, saying shipments in China had begun and production at affected plants in North America could restart as early as next week, though uncertainty remains.

Nexperia, which is Chinese-owned but headquartered in the Netherlands, produces essential components for car electronics. Suppliers had warned they might furlough workers if shortages continued. While Nexperia expects product flows to normalize soon, European automakers like Volkswagen remain cautious, warning that chip constraints could still threaten output into 2025.

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U.S. Urges China to Halt Support for Russia’s War Effort at U.N. Meeting

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At a United Nations Security Council session on Ukraine, the United States directly called on China to cease enabling Russia’s military operations through the export of dual-use goods. Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Dorothy Shea, stated that Chinese-manufactured components are consistently found in Russian drones, weapons, and vehicles deployed against Ukraine, despite Beijing’s claims of strict export controls.

Responding to the accusations, China’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Geng Shuang firmly denied any involvement in the conflict, emphasizing that China has neither supplied lethal weapons nor violated international controls on dual-use materials. Geng accused the U.S. of attempting to deflect responsibility and urged Washington to contribute more constructively to peace efforts rather than fueling confrontation.

The exchange followed a Reuters report revealing that Chinese-made drone engines are being secretly routed to Russia under the guise of “industrial refrigeration units,” allegedly in violation of Western sanctions. Shea asserted that if China genuinely supports peace, it must stop aiding Russia’s aggression, highlighting growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over the Ukraine war.

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Meloni Meets Xi: Relaunching Italy-China Relations

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Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described China as an “important interlocutor” for managing global tensions during her meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi acknowledged the “long-established friendly” relations and emphasized “tolerance, mutual trust, and mutual respect” between the two nations.

On her first visit to China since taking office, Meloni and Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a three-year plan aimed at enhancing economic cooperation. This five-day trip follows Meloni’s decision last year to withdraw Italy from President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a move motivated by the disappointing returns on the significant investment scheme intended to boost bilateral trade.

Meloni framed her visit as an effort to “relaunch” the Italy-China relationship. After discussions with Xi at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, she noted the rising global insecurity and the necessity for China to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Meloni highlighted the need for the two countries to collaborate for stability and peace.

Italy’s prime minister’s office reported that their talks covered various global governance issues, including the Ukraine conflict, potential escalations in the Middle East, and increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Xi called for both nations to “uphold the spirit of the Silk Road” to foster a new era in East-West relations, stating that both sides have significant opportunities for mutual growth and welcoming Italian investments in China while expressing a willingness to import more high-quality Italian goods.

Italy was the only major Western nation to sign onto the BRI, which was met with strong criticism from the US and other Western countries. Since assuming office in 2022, Meloni has adopted a more pro-Western and pro-NATO stance than her predecessors, previously criticizing the prior government’s decision to join the BRI as a “serious mistake.” Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for the Asia Pacific at Natixis, remarked that Meloni’s absence from the BRI allows her to engage with China on a more equal footing, as a partner rather than a subordinate.

Under Meloni’s leadership, Italy has blocked a Chinese state-owned firm from acquiring the tire manufacturer Pirelli and supported the European Commission’s recent move to impose tariffs of up to 37.6% on electric vehicles imported from China. Trade between Italy and China reached 66.8 billion euros (£56.3 billion) last year, making China Italy’s largest non-EU trading partner after the US.

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Germany: Far-right celebrate beating Scholz’s party

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Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), expressed on Monday that there is a growing demand for a vote of confidence and new elections, stating that the public is frustrated. The AfD is celebrating their unexpected success in the European Parliament elections, where they secured 16%, surpassing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left SPD.

Despite facing numerous scandals, including allegations of money laundering, connections to the Kremlin, and espionage for China, the AfD’s campaign managed to perform well. Their two lead candidates, Maximilian Krah and Petr Bystron, were sidelined due to investigations into these allegations, with Krah further tarnishing the party’s image by downplaying Nazi crimes. Consequently, France’s hard-right leader Marine Le Pen distanced herself from the AfD.

In an effort to rehabilitate the party’s image, Weidel has excluded Krah from the AfD’s EU delegation. The party attributes the scandals to a “media campaign” and criticizes the judiciary and intelligence services for being politically biased. This narrative of victimization seems to have resonated with voters.

The AfD’s effective use of social media and direct slogans contrasted with the government’s more abstract campaign messaging about “defending democracy.” Co-leader Tino Chrupalla emphasized addressing real issues over engaging in mutual insults, which appeared to appeal to the electorate, especially in eastern Germany and among younger voters.

Meanwhile, the governing coalition is grappling with the poor election results, described as a “painful humiliation” by an SPD leader. Although the conservatives led with 30%, their performance was not seen as particularly strong given the government’s unpopularity. In eastern Germany, the AfD outperformed them, and the results complicate the formation of a stable coalition in the national parliament.

This outcome bolsters CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s efforts to steer his party towards a more conservative stance and supports his ambition to become Germany’s next chancellor. However, the real beneficiaries of the election are the populists.

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Zelensky accuses Russia and China of undermining summit

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Ukrainian President Zelensky has accused Russia and China of trying to sabotage his upcoming global peace summit in Switzerland. He claims Russia is pressuring countries not to attend and alleges China is assisting in this effort. Zelensky made these statements at an Asian security forum, where he urged delegates to attend his summit focused on nuclear security, food security, and the release of prisoners of war and Ukrainian children held in Russia.

Despite 106 countries confirming attendance, Russia has not been invited and China is not participating. Zelensky criticized China for being an instrument in Putin’s hands and accused China of supplying elements for Russia’s weaponry. However, China denies supplying weapons to either side of the Ukraine conflict and asserts its commitment to peace.

Zelensky also discussed with US Secretary of Defense Austin the US decision to allow Ukraine to use American weapons on Russian territory, albeit with restrictions. This move by the US and other Western states has drawn warnings from Russia about serious consequences.

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German far right in disarray after AfD Nazi remark

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Maximilian Krah, a prominent far-right German politician from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), announced he would scale back his campaign efforts for the upcoming EU elections while remaining the party’s lead candidate. This decision followed a controversial interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, where Krah remarked that not all SS members were automatically “criminals” and emphasized assessing individual culpability. He referenced Günter Grass, the German novelist who served in the Waffen SS, to support his point.

The SS, or Schutzstaffel, was a Nazi paramilitary group notorious for its central role in the Holocaust and other war crimes. Krah’s comments provoked a strong reaction, leading France’s far-right National Rally (RN) to sever ties with the AfD in the European Parliament. RN leader Marine Le Pen called for a “cordon sanitaire” to distance her party from the AfD, stating the urgency of this separation due to the extremity of Krah’s views.

The relationship between RN and AfD had already been strained following a secret meeting involving AfD members discussing the mass deportations of non-ethnic Germans. Marine Le Pen had previously condemned such ideas.

Facing mounting pressures ahead of the EU elections in June, Krah declared on social media that he would step back from public campaign appearances and resign from the federal executive board to preserve party unity. This decision comes amid various scandals, including the arrest of one of his staffers for alleged espionage for China and an ongoing investigation into Krah over purported payments from Russia and China, which he denies. Despite these controversies, the AfD remains a significant political force, polling second or third nationally and leading in some states set for local elections later this year.

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Hungary opens up to Chinese tech despite protests

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Hungary’s ambition in electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing has surged, with plans to become a significant player globally. Despite ranking third behind China and the US, Hungary aims to surpass the US soon, as articulated by Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto during his visit to Beijing. This push aligns with Hungary’s broader strategy of strengthening economic ties with Eastern nations, particularly China and South Korea.

The influx of Chinese investment is evident, with numerous factories, including those of CATL and BYD, dotting the Hungarian landscape. However, this rapid industrial expansion has sparked environmental concerns and local opposition, particularly regarding water scarcity and potential health hazards. Critics worry that Hungary risks becoming overly reliant on foreign companies, potentially leading to stagnant domestic research and development.

The Hungarian government acknowledges these challenges, emphasizing the importance of not just attracting production but also integrating research efforts. Balazs Orban, from the Prime Minister’s Office, highlights the need to merge foreign investors’ research with Hungarian companies to ensure long-term economic sustainability. Despite the economic benefits of foreign investment, concerns persist regarding labor exploitation and Hungary’s evolving role in the global supply chain.

As Hungary’s industrial landscape transforms, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and domestic innovation remains a pressing concern. The government faces the delicate task of harnessing foreign investment while safeguarding Hungary’s long-term interests and preserving its environmental and social fabric.

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