European Parliament seeks tougher approach toward China

A cross-party consensus is emerging within the European Parliament to adopt a tougher stance toward China. Pascal Canfin, the Parliament’s rapporteur on EU–China trade relations, stated that Beijing seeks to reshape the global order based on the values and power of the Communist Party.

The European Union is currently negotiating to address a trade deficit with China estimated at approximately €1 billion per day. The surge in Chinese exports has placed significant pressure on European manufacturers, fueling concerns regarding deindustrialization in the automotive and chemical sectors.

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is scheduled to travel to Beijing in October for negotiations. He has indicated that the bloc is prepared to take action if sufficient progress is not made. To reduce dependence on China, the European Commission is considering measures to encourage supply chain diversification and potential safeguards on strategic imports, such as hybrid electric vehicles. Additionally, the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has advocated for reducing reliance on China for critical materials and semiconductors to prevent the ‘weaponization of EU economic overreliance’.