Chinese authorities have not shown a pre-recorded critical opening speech by EU Council President Charles Michel at the major Shanghai trade fair. Michel’s spokesman, Barend Leyts, confirmed the incident, saying the EU Council President had been invited to speak at the 5th Hongqiao Forum (CIIE) in Shanghai. So, the video was scheduled for the opening of the CIIE on Friday. But it wasn’t broadcasted. „As requested by the Chinese authorities, we had indeed provided a pre-recorded message which was ultimately not shown.“ The issue is now being raised with the Chinese side through „normal diplomatic channels,“ Leyts explained.