Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani visited China this week, and issues related to bilateral trade and the Beijing-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) were among the topics discussed.

Chinese customs officials met with their Belgian counterparts last month and reached a number of agreements that will pave the way for more Belgian food exports. This came after China lifted a decade-long import ban on Belgian beef due to mad cow disease.

During Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to France last week, the two sides signed multiple cooperation agreements. Li also used the opportunity to stress China's vision of the China-France relationship and a more stable China-EU relationship, although the EU may have a different vision.

Chinese customs officials visited Poland last week and set the foundation to allow the resumption of imports of Polish beef, as well as market access for Polish berries and pet food.

During Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Germany this week, the two sides agreed to collaborate on energy and environment, food security and debt issues. While both sides sent positive signals for continued economic engagement, they also used the opportunity to express concerns over the other sides'

On June 15, China's customs agency lifted decade-long bans on Polish and Belgian beef. The impact of the announcement on trade in these products remains an open question.

As a FTA negotiation officially launched.