European Parliament calls for tougher trade policy toward China

Yesterday 20:35

By: Azzat Manal

European Parliament calls for tougher trade policy toward China

The European Parliament has called for a stronger and more balanced approach to trade relations with China, combining continued dialogue with greater protection of European economic interests as tensions between Brussels and Beijing intensify.

In a recommendation adopted on Wednesday, European lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favour of a tougher policy. The measure received 454 votes in support, while 86 lawmakers voted against and 110 abstained. Parliament said EU-China relations had reached a critical stage and called for a reassessment of the economic relationship.

The recommendation emphasizes the principle of economic reciprocity, arguing that European companies should have more equitable access to the Chinese market. Lawmakers called for a proportionate EU response if Beijing fails to provide greater market access and address concerns surrounding trade practices.

The European Parliament’s position comes amid growing concern over the EU’s trade imbalance with China. European officials have been seeking measures to reduce the deficit while protecting industries considered strategically important, including automotive manufacturing, batteries, semiconductors, critical raw materials and other advanced technologies.

The automotive sector has become a particularly sensitive area. Chinese electric and hybrid vehicles have expanded their presence in European markets, adding to concerns among European manufacturers about competition, pricing and market conditions. The issue is now part of broader negotiations between the EU and China aimed at finding ways to rebalance trade relations.

The parliamentary recommendation also calls for reducing strategic vulnerabilities linked to excessive economic dependence on China. Lawmakers have highlighted the importance of securing supply chains and strengthening European capacity in areas such as critical raw materials, medicines, batteries, electric vehicles, information technology and semiconductors.

At the same time, the Parliament has stressed that a tougher economic approach should not mean abandoning dialogue. The recommendation calls for continued engagement with Beijing on global challenges, including trade, climate, peace, security and human rights, while seeking a more balanced relationship.

The parliamentary vote came as European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič headed to Beijing for two days of talks with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. The discussions are focused on addressing the growing trade imbalance and securing concrete progress on market access and Chinese exports to Europe.

The timing of the visit is significant, as Brussels has been pressing Beijing for tangible results before a key EU leaders’ meeting later in October. European officials have warned that failure to make progress could lead to stronger trade measures, while China has rejected accusations that its trade policies justify broader protectionism.

The European Parliament’s decision therefore adds political pressure to the ongoing negotiations. While lawmakers are seeking stronger safeguards for European industries, they are also calling for a relationship based on dialogue, fair competition and reciprocity rather than a complete economic separation.

The coming weeks could prove decisive for EU-China trade relations as both sides attempt to address market-access concerns and the growing trade deficit without triggering a wider confrontation. The outcome of the talks in Beijing is expected to help shape the European Union’s approach to China in the months ahead.