China cancels two EU diplomatic meetings amid rising trade tensions

China abruptly cancelled two scheduled high‑level talks with the European Union in Beijing – a ministerial meeting on digital policy and a dialogue with EU diplomatic service deputy secretary‑general Olof Skoog. No official reason was given; such cancellations are often used to signal displeasure.

The move comes as Chinese exports to Europe have surged and the EU is considering measures to limit Chinese firms in public procurement, tighten cyber‑security rules that could exclude companies like Huawei, and restrict financing for Chinese solar‑inverter technology. EU officials warn that further tariffs or anti‑dumping investigations could follow, while Beijing says it has no interest in a trade war but will take retaliatory steps if EU policies become aggressive.

Both sides say technical dialogue continues and new dates will be set for the meetings.