EU Takes Tougher Stance on China Ahead of Summit, Demands Answers on Belt and Road Response

The European Union (EU) is taking a harsher stance on China ahead of an upcoming summit, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warning of an "explicit element of rivalry" in the EU-China relationship. She criticized China's push for a systemic change in the international order and accused it of supporting destabilizing forces. Von der Leyen also highlighted concerns about unfair trade practices and called for China to play a role in promoting stability in the Middle East. The EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, raised the possibility of a trade war and warned that European companies are finding it increasingly difficult to work in China. European businesses are expressing frustration with the situation and are considering diversifying their supply chains away from China.