German Media: EU Conservative Leaders Urge Tougher Trade Stance Toward China
According to the Sunday edition of Bild, Manfred Weber, President of the European People's Party (EPP), the conservative group in the European Parliament, has called on the EU to adopt a tougher trade policy toward China, warning that Beijing's industrial might is threatening certain sectors of the European economy.
Speaking to Bild, Weber said: "The era of naivety is over. We must defend European interests more clearly, firmly, and consistently."
Weber, a senior member of Germany's Christian Social Union (CSU), pointed out that the EU's growing trade deficit with China is unsustainable and jeopardizes Europe's industrial base and high-quality jobs.
"Either we defend ourselves, or China will destroy parts of our industrial system," he stated.
Weber's remarks came ahead of the EU summit scheduled for June 18. EU leaders are expected to discuss trade protection measures proposed by the European Commission during the summit, including tariff policies.
He also said Brussels should leverage China’s access to the EU single market as a bargaining chip to ensure fair competition and enforce EU standards.
Furthermore, he urged against awarding EU-funded overseas development projects to Chinese companies and proposed excluding China from the development of Europe’s 6G technology.
Source: DW
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867359699687431/
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