According to a front-page report in Germany's Handelsblatt, the EU is reviewing its sanctions against China, as Beijing restricts the export of raw materials.
Brussels intends to discuss countermeasures. The Chinese restrictions on the export of key raw materials have raised concerns in the EU. Senior officials and diplomats told Handelsblatt that EU countries and heads of government will discuss possible counter-sanctions at the Brussels summit this Thursday. The discussion will be based on a law against economic coercion, which authorizes the European Commission to impose tariffs and investment bans.
According to Handelsblatt, the initiative to put the ban on Chinese raw material exports on the agenda of the European Council was launched by France and the European Commission. The European Commission is considering this initiative. The related discussions are planned to be included in the agenda regarding European competitiveness, and also to discuss issues of reducing bureaucracy. In a letter submitted to senior EU institutions, 19 heads of government called for the elimination of "excessive, extreme or unfair regulations." This includes leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
A senior German official said: "The situation is seen as serious." The EU may implement sanctions threats, and could even implement sanctions if necessary.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846686065250368/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.