Cold shoulder? China and EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich showdown

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Finbarr BerminghamFebruary 11, 2026 at 11:22 AM

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Ahead of a security conference in Munich, diplomatic relations between the EU and China are strained. The EU is reportedly limiting high-level meetings with Chinese diplomats in Brussels in response to restricted access for EU diplomats in Beijing. The EU ambassador to China, Jorge Toledo, has allegedly been excluded from meetings with key Chinese ministries for an extended period. This reciprocal action reflects growing frustration within the EU regarding the imbalance in diplomatic access and engagement between the two entities. The situation highlights underlying tensions in the EU-China relationship despite recent visits by European leaders to China.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Munich 30% Belgian 40% Beijing 60% Jorge Toledo 60% Brussels ×270% European Union ×485% China ×390%

Keywords

eu-china relations 100% diplomatic stand-off 90% high-level appointments 70% access to diplomats 70% beijing 60% brussels 60% diplomatic dynamic 50% eu ambassador 50% jorge toledo 40%