TradeEuropean leaders consider new trade defense and industrial policy toolsThe EU and China have agreed to start a ministerial dialogue addressing trade imbalances and export controls imposed by China, with Brussels shooting for "tangible results." (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Reuters and Getty Images)CLEMENT NGUJuly 2, 2026 11:11 JSTUpdated on July 2, 2026 14:24 JSTBRUSSELS -- Tensions between the European Union and China are rising over Beijing's widening trade surplus with the bloc, as EU officials allege unfair trade practices and challenges in market access, calling the relationship structurally imbalanced and unsustainable.