China’s envoy to the EU, Cai Jian, faces a challenging time as he steps into the role amidst strained relations between the EU and China due to Beijing’s alleged support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Cai will have to navigate escalating trade disputes, including EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Previously stationed in Israel during tensions with Palestine, Cai now enters a diplomatic fray between China, the EU, and Russia. The former ambassador to Israel faced pressure over China’s support for Palestinians and even helped secure the release of a kidnapped Israeli-Chinese woman.
As Cai steps into his new role, previous ambassador Fu Cong’s challenges with EU-China relations are still fresh, with his efforts to prevent Chinese companies from being sanctioned for supporting Russia ultimately failing. Cai arrives in Brussels amidst a changing political landscape within the EU.