EU Parliament Leader Manfred Weber Calls for Tougher Trade Measures Against China

Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament, urged the EU to abandon its current leniency toward China. Citing a daily trade deficit of almost €1 billion, he argued that stronger tariffs and restrictions are needed to protect European industry. Weber called for tighter EU standards for Chinese firms selling in the single market, an end to EU financial aid for Chinese companies, and the exclusion of China from the development of the next‑generation 6G mobile network. The proposals are expected to be debated at the EU leaders’ summit on 18 June, following similar initiatives from France and a draft measures package from the European Commission.