Navigating EU-China Trade Relations: Balancing Tensions and Promoting Fairness

The European Union's trade commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, has called for a more balanced economic relationship with China, highlighting the EU's trade deficit of nearly 400 billion euros ($425 billion). Dombrovskis also warned that China's position on the war in Ukraine could endanger its relationship with Europe. He urged China to address the lack of reciprocity in the economic relationship, citing issues such as less transparency, unequal access to procurement, and discriminatory standards. The EU has expressed concern about the growing trade deficit with China and recently launched an investigation into Chinese subsidies to electric vehicle makers. Chinese officials have defended their business environment, stating that as long as companies operate within the law, they have nothing to worry about.