Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit, where he will discuss fair economic conditions for German companies and China's assistance in ending the Russian-Ukrainian war. He emphasized the importance of the European context of Germany's policy towards China.
On Lake Baikal, a minibus with Chinese tourists fell through the ice. Seven foreigners and the driver died, one passenger was rescued.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. They discussed peace efforts, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and Ukraine's EU membership.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that his country is not a party directly involved in Russia's war against Ukraine. Beijing does not have a decisive influence on its end.
A meeting of G7 and Ukrainian foreign ministers has begun in Munich, where peace efforts and strengthening air defense are being discussed. China will provide Ukraine with additional humanitarian energy assistance.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated at the Munich Security Conference that the door to dialogue on the war in Ukraine is open. He called on all parties to seize the opportunity for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said that China is providing crucial support to Russian aggression. He could end the war by calling Putin and stopping the sale of dual-use technologies.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. China has decided to provide Ukraine with an additional package of humanitarian energy aid.
China calls for a new model of interaction with the US, seeking to solidify a warming in relations, but emphasizes its unchanged position on Taiwan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated his support for the "healthy, stable, and sustainable development" of relations, without compromising on issues of core interests.
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to rebuild trust and strengthen a ceasefire following border clashes. The talks took place in China, where foreign ministers discussed the border situation.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed support for Venezuela, condemning unilateral pressure. This came after US President Donald Trump ordered the blocking of oil tankers to increase pressure on the South American country.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, during a visit to Beijing, called on China to stop economic support for Russia and join international efforts to establish peace in Ukraine. He also raised the issue of China's supply of dual-use goods that could be used for military purposes by Russia.
Brent and WTI crude oil prices slightly decreased amid OPEC+ plans to increase production and optimism regarding a trade agreement between the US and China. Investors are also assessing the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski became an honorary doctor of Ivan Franko Lviv University. He visited Lviv on an unannounced visit, laid flowers at the site of the Russian shelling, and participated in a diplomatic forum.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski believes that only China can make Russia stop the war in Ukraine. He emphasized that pressure on Russia, not just words, is needed to achieve a ceasefire.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, during talks in Warsaw with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, stated the need to adhere to the UN Charter and respect Ukraine's sovereignty. He also drew attention to Russia's destabilizing actions and the invasion of Russian drones into Polish airspace.
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong expressed solidarity with India, opposing American tariffs on Indian exports. This move is a sign of warming relations between the two Asian rivals.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Tibet, calling for inter-ethnic unity. This is his second visit to the region as president.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi considers the start of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine an important step forward, indicating a critical moment in the settlement. He also mentioned the "six-point consensus" between China and Pakistan, which, in his opinion, contributed to de-escalation.
The naval forces of Russia and China have begun joint exercises in the Sea of Japan, practicing anti-submarine and anti-aircraft tasks. The maneuvers will last until August 5, including artillery firing and search and rescue operations.
China has banned a US citizen working for the Department of Commerce from leaving the country for several months, coinciding with Beijing and Washington's attempts to organize a leaders' summit to resolve trade disputes. The exit ban was imposed due to the failure to indicate employment with the US government in the visa application.
The European Union has included two Chinese regional banks, Suifenhe Rural Commercial and Heihe Rural Commercial, in the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. China actively lobbied for the exclusion of the banks, but the EU ignored the threats, leaving open the possibility of exclusion in six months, provided support for the Russian army ceases.
China considers negotiations and dialogue to be the only viable option to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated this in response to threats of secondary sanctions.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's statement about not wanting Russia to be defeated in Ukraine contradicts Beijing's public statements about neutrality. ISW analysts believe this indicates an interconnected future for Beijing and Moscow.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans his first visit to China to ease relations after prolonged tension. The trip, expected in October, has symbolic significance for maintaining bilateral relations and restoring contacts.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated China's readiness to cooperate with France in nuclear energy, aviation, AI, green energy, and biotechnology. Issues concerning Ukraine and the Middle East were also discussed, and China resolved the issue of anti-dumping duties on European cognac.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing cannot allow Russia to be defeated in the war against Ukraine. He explained this by fears that the US would then fully shift its attention to China.
EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Chinese companies' support for Russia in the war against Ukraine poses a serious threat to European security. She urged China to cease material support for the Russian military-industrial complex and to promote peace in Ukraine.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will undertake a European tour from June 30 to July 6, visiting the EU headquarters, Germany, and France. The purpose of the visit is the final согласоvание of details for the China-EU summit in Beijing on July 24-25.
China reached record crude oil reserves of 1. 18 billion barrels to protect against disruptions from the Middle East. This allows refineries to maneuver in conditions of potential disruptions in oil supply, particularly from Iran.
