An analysis of customs data shows that Europe still has real collective clout when it comes to managing its trade relations with China. But Andreas Mischer warns Chinese dependencies on imports from the region are falling steadily. merics.org/en/comment/i...

As structural imbalances intensify, domestic woes dampen China’s economic growth, write Alexander Brown and Andreas Mischer. You can read more in a free excerpt from the Q2 edition of MERICS China Economic Indicators here: merics.org/en/tracker/c...

Despite sky-high ambitions, China was a no-show at the 2026 World Cup tournament. In a new comment piece, MERICS Senior Associate Fellow Andrew Scobell explores the reasons behind China’s lack of success in international football. merics.org/en/comment/w...

In a new edition of MERICS Data Insights, MERICS Visiting Fellow Esther Goreichy looks at Chinese exports of high-end goods to the European Union. She finds that prices do not keep pace with the increased value of exports. merics.org/en/comment/m...

There are three urgent reasons why the EU must tackle China’s destabilizing economic imbalances sooner rather than later. Delaying action until 2027 is not an option, says @grzegorzstec.bsky.social: merics.org/en/comment/e...

News from the MERICS team: Sophia Pradels joined our Economy and Industry team last month. Her research focuses on China’s macroeconomic development, industrial policy and foreign trade. We are happy to have you on board, Sophia!

merics.org/en/team/soph...

The 2026 report of the European Think-tank network on China is out! Experts from 22 European countries examine national approaches to dealing with China as a technological power and research partner. Read the report here: merics.org/en/report/fr...

Russia’s renewed standing in northeast Asia and continued US strength in the region have encouraged Beijing to set aside reservations about its only official ally North Korea, says MERICS Senior Associate Fellow Andrew Scobell. Read more in his new comment piece: merics.org/en/comment/x...

Growing global fragmentation and volatility accelerated by the Trump administration’s policies are translating into a more complicated risk environment for Europe. In the new MERICS Security & Risk Tracker, we provide an update on of some of the 2026 top China risks: merics.org/en/tracker/m...

In a new edition of MERICS Data Insights, MERICS Visiting Fellow Esther Goreichy looks at the European Union's trade deficit with China. She finds that the deficit is widening despite the bloc's trade defense measures. merics.org/en/comment/m...

The new MERICS China Essentials is out! This time, we cover China's new outbound investment protections, expanded export controls, Xi's visit to Pyongyang and hukou reforms. With contributions from Sophia Pradels, Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau, Aurelio Insisa and Alexander Davey. merics.org/en/merics-br...

We are delighted that Laura Seifert joined the MERICS team as Senior Project Manager. A warm welcome to the team, Laura! merics.org/en/team/laur...

How does Russian propaganda shape Chinese debates on Ukraine? MERICS Senior Associate Fellow Yurii Poita sees Beijing tolerating or even encouraging toxic discourse to undermine the moral and political authority of the Ukrainian government and its Western supporters: merics.org/en/comment/r...

We are very happy to announce that Aurelio Insisa joined MERICS as a Senior Analyst in the foreign relations program. Aurelio’s research focuses on China’s foreign policy and economic statecraft. It’s great to have you on board, Aurelio! merics.org/en/team/aure...

As the EU-China trade deficit continued to grow in Q1 2026, a traditionally strong sector is now also affected by the general trend: EU agri-food exports. In the latest SOAPBOX newsletter, MERCIS Senior Associate Fellow Rafael Jimenez Buendia zooms in on the topic: open.substack.com/pub/soapboxt...

🎙️In a new episode of “China in 26,” Bernhard Bartsch, @mikkohuotari.bsky.social and Claudia Wessling discuss the outcomes of Xi's meetings with Trump and Putin; China’s economic data for April and the mood among German companies in China; and Chinese investment in Europe: merics.org/en/podcast/c...

🌐Together with @merics.bsky.social, @sceeus-ui.bsky.social we look at key domains of China🇨🇳Russia🇷🇺 relations to better understand their special relationship.

🔵 These are 3 data-driven trends to watch for more insight into China-Russia relations ⤵️

🎬https://youtu.be/fnQlBcappm8

The EU is sharpening its industrial policy playbook with a new Industrial Accelerator Act, presented last month. MERICS Visiting Fellow Esther Goreichy analyzes the current proposal in a new issue of MERICS China 360°. Read more: merics.org/en/merics-br...

The 2026 MERICS European China Talent Program (ECTP) is open for applications until April 5! Taking place September 22-25 in Berlin, it will offer unique training and mentorship, deepening participants’ understanding of China and its global impact. Learn more and apply: merics.org/en/call-appl...

The 2026 MERICS European China Talent Program (ECTP) is open for applications! Taking place September 22-25 in Berlin, it will offer unique training and mentorship, deepening participants’ understanding of China and its global impact. Find out more and apply: merics.org/en/call-appl...