Brussels wants to get tougher on Beijing, but neither side is ready for a full-blown confrontation.
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Brussels wants to get tougher on Beijing, but neither side is ready for a full-blown confrontation.
The EU is likely to stop short of a full-blown confrontation — like activating its trade “bazooka,” the Anti-Coercion Instrument. | Pool photo by Isabel Infantes via AFP/Getty Images
June 16, 2026
European leaders are converging on a tougher view of Beijing, but concrete action remains elusive
The first draft of the communique that will be issued after next week's EU leaders' summit does not mention China despite fears…
Brussels currently lacks the firepower to win a trade clash with China – and Beijing is not in a mood to make concessions,…
Ahead of next week’s leaders’ summit, some are pushing for the bloc to end its ‘naivety’ and forcefully counter cheap imports.
Trade chief details why bloc needs to take stronger steps to defend itself from what is described as a new ‘China shock’ to its…
Ahead of a key debate on Friday, most commissioners said to support a more robust stance and broader use of safeguard measures.
