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EU, China Hold Tense Talks in Beijing
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are in Beijing this week for a high-level summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the European Union and China.
Online media reports say the talks come at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, stalled trade relations, and mistrust over issues ranging from Ukraine to global market competition.
Set for Thursday, the 25th EU-China summit is expected to be more symbolic than transformative, with few expecting significant breakthroughs.
Initially planned as a two-day event in Brussels, the summit was downsized and relocated to Beijing after Xi reportedly declined an earlier invitation to attend in Europe, according to The Financial Times.
China only confirmed the final arrangements for the summit earlier this week.
Alongside Xi, Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to meet von der Leyen and Costa in what Beijing is portraying as a fresh opportunity to improve ties with Brussels.
According to Marina Rudyak, an assistant professor at Heidelberg University’s Institute of Chinese Studies, Beijing is aiming to steer the dialogue toward “pragmatic cooperation” and away from points of conflict.
“What we hear consistently from the Chinese side is: let’s normalize relations, let’s focus on where we agree, and manage our differences,” Rudyak told Al Jazeera.
In line with this tone, Chinese state media released upbeat commentary on EU-China relations this week, which often serves as an indirect signaling method from Chinese officials.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun echoed that sentiment, describing the EU-China relationship as “one of the most influential bilateral relationships in the world” and at a “critical juncture.”
Still, the summit comes against a backdrop of persistent and deepening discord.
Political Rifts and Lingering Sanctions
Despite Beijing’s overtures, Europe remains wary. Relations soured significantly in 2021 after the EU imposed sanctions on Chinese officials over human rights abuses against Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.
China swiftly retaliated with sanctions on European politicians and institutions, creating a diplomatic stalemate.
Though China lifted sanctions on European lawmakers earlier this year as a gesture of goodwill ahead of the summit, broader political tensions remain.
This is particularly over China’s close relationship with Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The EU accuses Beijing of enabling Moscow by continuing to purchase large volumes of Russian energy and by exporting “dual-use” technologies, goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
China denies violating international sanctions and claims it supports a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
European concerns deepened further in June.
This was after reports emerged that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his EU counterpart that Beijing didn’t want Russia to lose the war.
He feared that a Russian defeat would allow the U.S. to refocus its attention on China.
That statement, according to Rudyak, triggered alarm within EU diplomatic circles.
In response, the EU recently targeted two Chinese banks and five Chinese companies in its latest round of sanctions on Russia, citing their role in supporting Moscow’s war economy.
China’s Ministry of Commerce denounced the move, warning that such actions “seriously harm” EU-China trade relations and vowed potential retaliatory measures.
A Complicated Trade Landscape
Trade tensions also loom large over the summit.
China remains the EU’s third-largest trading partner, but the bloc’s trade deficit with China has nearly doubled in the past decade, reaching over €305 billion ($359 billion) in 2024.
European leaders argue that Beijing engages in overproduction and dumps state-subsidized goods, especially electric vehicles, into the EU market, threatening local industries.
“Europe is deeply concerned about the long-term impact on core industries like automotive manufacturing,” Rudyak noted.
In retaliation for EU trade probes, Beijing has launched investigations into alleged “dumping” by Europe, targeting products such as dairy, pork, and even French brandy.
Chinese curbs on critical exports, including rare earth minerals essential to EV production, have added to the strain.
Navigating Between Powers
China also remains frustrated with what it sees as Europe’s inconsistent approach to balancing its ties with Beijing and Washington.
According to Wang Yiwei, director of the EU Research Centre at Renmin University in Beijing, China is disappointed that the EU sometimes aligns itself with U.S. policy positions, particularly those seen as antagonistic toward China.
“China had hoped Europe would offer more resistance to U.S. dominance, but instead it finds the EU trying to walk a fine line, supporting Washington’s containment of China while also seeking independent engagement,” Wang said.
Beijing wants the EU to shift its framing of the relationship from “competitive cooperation” to “cooperative competition,” emphasizing mutual gain over strategic rivalry.
Low Expectations, High Stakes
Analysts say expectations for Thursday’s summit are modest. Marta Mucznik, a senior EU analyst at the Crisis Group, emphasized that the goal is not dramatic change, but sustained dialogue.
“The EU doesn’t anticipate breakthroughs but values the chance to keep communication lines open with Beijing,” she said.
She added that Brussels is also working to “reduce critical dependencies” on China while defining its global role more clearly.
Both sides are likely to emerge from the summit reaffirming their commitment to dialogue.
On the other hand, the reality is that key disputes over trade, human rights, and global alliances will continue to test the limits of EU-China cooperation.
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The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”
Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.
If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.
Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.
Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.
Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.
The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.
Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.
“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.
The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.
The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.
“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.
Details of the JICA Loan Project
The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Key components of the project include:
Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines
Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines
Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses
According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.
This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.
Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.
He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.
The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.
He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.
He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.
His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.
The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.
The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.
Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.
The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.
Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.
International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.
The United Nations considers these figures credible.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.
The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.
NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.
The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.
Picture of Fake cowbell milk.
The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.
Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.
Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Allergic reactions
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- In extreme cases, death
Counterfeit Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
- Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
- Production Date: 04/2025
- Expiry Date: 12/2028
Picture of original cowbell milk.
NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.
Reports can be made through:
The nearest NAFDAC office
Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.
The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.
Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.
Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.
By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products
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