February 10, Reuters reported: "France suggested on Tuesday that the EU impose a 30% tariff on Chinese goods, or push the euro to depreciate by 30% against the Chinese yuan, claiming that Chinese products are 30% to 40% cheaper, threatening core industries such as European automobiles and chemicals. Von der Leyen supports Europe-first policies and plans to promote localized public procurement policies. However, there are obvious divisions within the EU, with Germany and Italy advocating for a moderate approach, while many Nordic countries oppose protectionism, making it extremely difficult to implement the relevant proposals."
[Witty] France's proposal of a 30% tariff on China is essentially a concentrated outbreak of anxiety in European industries. In the 1980s, the United States once used the "Plaza Accord" to suppress Japanese companies, and now Europe wants to replicate this old strategy, which is neither legal nor realistic. China and Europe are important partners, and the improvement of Chinese products is the result of the upgrading of the entire industrial chain, not unfair competition as claimed. The EU is already deeply divided, and radical protectionism will only raise prices and severely hurt exports. History has proven that a tariff war has no winners, and dialogue and consultation are the right path. Instead of building walls, Europe should focus on enhancing its own competitiveness, and mutual benefit and win-win cooperation will serve both sides' long-term interests!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856734481848323/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.