EU Weighs Next Steps on China Trade Reset Amid Internal Differences

The European Union’s effort to reset its trade relationship with China is already facing internal resistance, with some member states and officials skeptical that the bloc is ready to take decisive action should diplomacy fail, Japan Times reported.

Member states agree on the high stakes created by China’s dominant economic position. They have not reached consensus on concrete steps to reduce a trade deficit that now exceeds €360 billion ($410 billion) or on measures to strengthen domestic industries against Chinese firms that receive state subsidies, according to people familiar with discussions among bloc leaders and within the European Commission.

Jaecoo SUVs made by Chinese automaker Chery were observed Wednesday at the Dongfang port branch of Lianyungang Port in Jiangsu province, China, prepared for loading onto export ships. China maintains control over minerals and chips essential to European defense and automobile sectors.