Trade tensions between China and the European Union are escalating after Beijing called on EU member states to revise the bloc’s proposed “Made in Europe” legislation.
The draft proposal of the European Commission seeks to tighten the rules for foreign companies that want to participate in EU public procurement contracts or benefit from investment opportunities.
The initiative, which aims to bolster Europe’s industrial capacity, was met with sharp criticism by China’s commerce ministry who affirmed that if the EU “insists on this punishment and treats China’s enterprises in a discriminatory manner,” Beijing would respond with countermeasures. In other words, retaliation.
While Europe is trying to navigate a world of aggressive tariffs by Trump’s administration, is it heading toward a full-scale trade conflict with China — or can it still strike a balance between protection and cooperation?
The topic couldn't have been more timely when this week's contenders stepped into The Ring at the European Parliament in Brussels.
