Belgian Prime Minister urges EU to devise trade strategy against China

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever called on European leaders to meet and develop a coordinated strategy to counter what he described as Beijing’s unfair trade practices. Speaking at a Brussels event organised by pro‑EU think‑tanks, De Wever warned that the EU is “so scared we can’t even name” China’s tactics and urged the bloc to reduce its dependence on Chinese markets by diversifying supply chains with the United States, Japan and India.

He highlighted that the EU‑China trade deficit is projected to rise to around €360 billion in 2025 and cited his March letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging a tougher stance. The issue is expected to be a key agenda item at the EU summit on 18‑19 June in Brussels, following the upcoming G7 meeting where China’s role will also be discussed.