EU trade enforcers descend on Beijing demanding China fix ‘untenable’ imbalances
European Union trade officials are in Beijing to address significant trade imbalances and concerns over Chinese industrial subsidies. Brussels is seeking concessions to avoid a potential trade war, citing an 'untenable' deficit caused by Chinese export policies.
Why it matters
The outcome of these talks could significantly impact global trade relations and the economic stability of the EU-China partnership.
A delegation from the European Commission has been locked in talks with Chinese officials in Beijing, as the sides look to find a diplomatic off-ramp from a looming trade war before an October deadline set by Brussels.
The EU team was spearheaded by Denis Redonnet, the bloc’s top trade enforcement officer, who was recently made point person on China trade policy – a recognition that in EU circles, talk of partnership has largely been usurped by rivalry and competition.
Later this month, the European Union’s top trade official, Ditte Juul Jorgensen, will follow Redonnet to the Chinese capital, she confirmed on Wednesday, as Brussels assesses whether Beijing is willing to make the sort of concessions that could see them avoid sliding into a damaging tit-for-tat exchange in the autumn.
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