The leader of the European Union's largest political group calls for a tougher trade stance toward China
Manfred Weber, President of the European People's Party (EPP), the largest group in the European Parliament, has called on the EU to adopt a firmer trade policy toward China, warning that China's formidable industrial production capacity is posing a challenge to certain sectors of European industry.
According to a report by Germany's *Bild am Sonntag* on Sunday, June 7, Weber stated in an interview: "The EU’s policy toward China can no longer be based on illusions. We must more clearly, firmly, and consistently defend European interests."
As also a senior leader of Germany's Christian Social Union (CSU), Weber pointed out that the EU’s trade deficit with China has reached nearly €1 billion per day, a level of imbalance that is no longer sustainable and is threatening Europe’s industrial base and high-quality jobs. He said: "Either we take action to protect our own interests, or certain sectors of Europe will be squeezed out by China’s competitive advantages."
Weber’s remarks come as EU leaders are set to hold a summit on June 18. It is expected that the meeting will discuss a series of trade protection measures prepared by the European Commission, including potential tariff policies.
Weber believes the EU should leverage the access conditions for Chinese companies entering the EU single market as bargaining chips to push for a fairer competitive environment and ensure compliance with EU standards.
Reportedly, Weber also advocates that overseas development projects funded by the EU should no longer be awarded to Chinese companies and suggests excluding China from future European 6G telecommunications technology research and development initiatives.
In recent years, growing concerns in Europe over the competitiveness of Chinese electric vehicles, clean energy equipment, and high-tech products have led to increasing friction in Sino-European trade relations. The European Commission has already launched anti-subsidy investigations into certain Chinese products and is considering further trade defense measures.
Analysts believe that as the leader of Europe’s largest political force in the European Parliament, Weber’s public statement reflects a growing internal call within the EU for a tougher approach on trade and industrial policy toward China—a topic expected to be a key agenda item at this month’s EU summit.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867397307273344/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.