China-EU Trade Talks Intensify as Minister Wang Wentao Visits Brussels

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao arrived in Brussels for high‑level talks with his EU counterpart, aiming to calm rising trade tensions. The discussions centered on EU accusations that China subsidises key industries such as automobiles, chemicals and steel, and on recent EU measures including doubled steel tariffs and a new tax on small parcels. Both sides are working to create a structured consultation mechanism ahead of the China‑EU summit scheduled for summer, hoping to resolve disputes before they spiral into a broader trade war.

The EU Chamber of Commerce in China reports that many European firms still invest heavily in the Chinese market, underscoring a gap between political criticism and commercial reality. Within the EU, the European External Action Service is reported to be losing influence to the Commission as it seeks to reset relations with China while also managing other diplomatic priorities.