
China isn’t Europe’s real problem
The EU's focus on constraining China may be misguided, as its real challenges lie in addressing internal limitations exposed by Chinese competition, including trade deficits and dependencies.

The EU's focus on constraining China may be misguided, as its real challenges lie in addressing internal limitations exposed by Chinese competition, including trade deficits and dependencies.

EU leaders are considering trade defence measures against China's 'overcapacity,' but the author argues this is a misnomer. China's manufacturing growth stems from its integration into global supply chains and adherence to international standards, making its products competitive through efficiency and expertise, not unfair practices.

The EU’s outgoing top trade official Sabine Weyand used her departing appearance at the European Parliament to pour cold water on the prospect of an investment deal with China, hinting instead that new weapons for dealing with Chinese “macroeconomic imbalances” could be on the way. Weyand, who is leaving her role as the EU’s director general for trade after a seven-year tenure, said the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment – a pact signed in the last days of 2020 but frozen soon after in a row...

The EU’s outgoing top trade official Sabine Weyand used her departing appearance at the European Parliament to pour cold water on the prospect of an investment deal with China, hinting instead that new weapons for dealing with Chinese “macroeconomic imbalances” could be on the way. Weyand, who is leaving her role as the EU’s director general for trade after a seven-year tenure, said the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment – a pact signed in the last days of 2020 but frozen soon after in a row...