{"id":1941615,"date":"2026-05-18T16:17:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:17:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1941615"},"modified":"2026-05-18T16:17:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:17:35","slug":"as-trade-war-with-china-looms-how-can-the-eu-defend-itself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1941615","title":{"rendered":"As trade war with China looms, how can the EU defend itself?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/12\/47\/1200x675_cmsv2_14457a33-bc2b-5259-8aa4-12c155790af6-9521247.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2894661-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2894661\" data-cid=\"9762999\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894661-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/29\/99\/189x106_cmsv2_9ae66edc-7c19-529a-9ea1-e9dffc87bb8a-9762999.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: This undated photograph released by the UAE's state-run WAM news agency shows the under-construction Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi's Western desert\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    United Arab Emirates<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UAE still investigating mystery nuclear plant drone attack\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894657-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2894657\" data-cid=\"9762995\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894657-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/29\/95\/189x106_cmsv2_c37e9b45-5baf-5230-9785-757bdab203d8-9762995.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | May 18th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | May 18th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893728-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893728\" data-cid=\"9758776\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893728-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/87\/76\/189x106_cmsv2_edcb06dd-e20e-56ee-8e33-193f72de4300-9758776.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"2026 International Booker prize shortlist preview\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The six books competing for the International Booker Prize 2026\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894627-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2894627\" data-cid=\"9762762\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894627-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/27\/62\/189x106_cmsv2_132e4e07-2346-5750-991e-478464a91001-9762762.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: A bulk cargo ship sits at anchor in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, 2 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran sets up Hormuz transit authority to charge ships for passage\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894661-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2894661\" data-cid=\"9762999\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894661-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/29\/99\/189x106_cmsv2_9ae66edc-7c19-529a-9ea1-e9dffc87bb8a-9762999.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: This undated photograph released by the UAE's state-run WAM news agency shows the under-construction Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi's Western desert\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    United Arab Emirates<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UAE still investigating mystery nuclear plant drone attack\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894657-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2894657\" data-cid=\"9762995\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894657-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/29\/95\/189x106_cmsv2_c37e9b45-5baf-5230-9785-757bdab203d8-9762995.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | May 18th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | May 18th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893728-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2893728\" data-cid=\"9758776\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893728-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/87\/76\/189x106_cmsv2_edcb06dd-e20e-56ee-8e33-193f72de4300-9758776.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"2026 International Booker prize shortlist preview\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The six books competing for the International Booker Prize 2026\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894627-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2894627\" data-cid=\"9762762\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894627-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/27\/62\/189x106_cmsv2_132e4e07-2346-5750-991e-478464a91001-9762762.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: A bulk cargo ship sits at anchor in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, 2 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran sets up Hormuz transit authority to charge ships for passage\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            As trade war with China looms, how can the EU defend itself?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/12\/47\/1536x864_cmsv2_14457a33-bc2b-5259-8aa4-12c155790af6-9521247.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"The EU-China summit, July 2025, Beijing, China.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              The EU-China summit, July 2025, Beijing, China.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspPeggy Corlin&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbspLuca Bertuzzi\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1779121055\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-05-18 18:17:35 +02:00\">18\/05\/2026 &#8211; 18:17 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The European Commission is considering a range of tools to shield the bloc from cheap Chinese imports, including reducing its dependence on Chinese components and imposing tariffs on strategic sectors.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>As Chinese-made products are flooding the EU market and threatening thousands of jobs, the European Commission is stepping up its work to protect the bloc\u2019s production from the risks of China\u2019s excess production.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The move comes as data from Chinese customs showed that, in the first four months of 2026, Beijing accumulated a surplus of $113 billion with the EU-27, up from $91 billion over the same period in 2025. The surplus widened by $22 billion over 12 month, while the EU\u2019s trade deficit with China had already reached \u20ac359.9 billion in 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Pressure is also mounting on Brussels as Beijing has repeatedly threatened retaliation in recent weeks over several EU laws limiting access to the single market for Chinese companies. <\/p>\n<p>On Friday, China also banned these companies from engaging with the Commission over EU foreign subsidy investigations. <\/p>\n<p>To address the China issue and try to restore a level playing field, EU Commissioners are set to debate the matter on 29 May. What options does Europe have on the table?<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Cutting dependence on Chinese components<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>The Financial Times<\/em> reported on Monday that a plan to force EU companies to buy critical components from at least three different suppliers was in the pipeline at the European Commission. <\/p>\n<p>The idea would be to set thresholds of around 30% to 40% for what can be bought from a single supplier, with the rest having to be sourced from at least three different suppliers, not all from the same country.<\/p>\n<p>The proposal comes after China last year restricted exports of rare earths and chips, which are critical for key EU industries such as green tech, cars and defence.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Targeting strategic sectors with tariffs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In its economic security strategy presented last December, the European Commission also said it would present new tools by September 2026 to strengthen the protection of EU industry from unfair trade policies and overcapacities.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe will fight tooth and nail for every European job, for every European company, for every open sector, if we see they are treated unfairly,\u201d Maro\u0161 \u0160ef\u010dovi\u010d told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>A decision to impose new quotas and double tariffs on global steel imports, dominated by Chinese overcapacities, was already agreed by EU countries and the European Parliament in April.<\/p>\n<p>Now the chemical industry is in the spotlight. Chinese chemical imports have surged 81% over five years. But the EU chemical sector also relies on exports abroad, including to China, the industry\u2019s fourth export market, which makes any measure targeting China complicated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs an export-oriented industry, the European chemical industry generates over 30% of its sales abroad. That creates a risk of retaliation from third countries,\u201d Philipp Sauer, trade expert at Cefic, the lobby group of the European chemical industry, told Euronews.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Exclusive: EU vows to fight \u2018tooth and nail\u2019 for European industry as China threatens retaliation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>3. Hitting imports with anti-dumping or anti-subsidy duties<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Commission can also impose duties on Chinese companies when import prices fall below those at which they sell their products on their domestic market. It can also investigate companies for receiving unfair subsidies.<\/p>\n<p>However, investigations can take up to 18 months, and cases are piling up at the Commission\u2019s DG Trade, which has only around 140 officials to handle them.<\/p>\n<p>Sauer said that between one third and half of all ongoing investigations relate to the chemical sector.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Using the Anti-Coercion Instrument<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Anti-Coercion Instrument is a last-resort tool \u2014 the so-called trade bazooka \u2014 which can be used in cases of economic pressure from a third country and would allow the EU to hit China with strong measures such as restricting access to licences or public procurement in the EU.<\/p>\n<p>But its use would require the backing of a qualified majority of member states, which is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n<p>Germany opposed tariffs adopted by the EU in 2024 against Chinese electric vehicles. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez, who has visited China four times in three years, also supports closer ties with Beijing, seeking to secure major Chinese investment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5. Unifying member states<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At the same time, Brussels faces the risk that its decoupling strategy might face significant resistance from national governments. EU member states remain divided over how to approach China, which could in turn allow Beijing to play capitals against each other.<\/p>\n<p>Such differences are already emerging in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, where the EU has proposed a new mechanism requiring the phase-out of so-called high-risk suppliers, such as Huawei and ZTE, in strategic industries, starting with telecommunications.<\/p>\n<p>The proposal, included in the revamp of the EU Cybersecurity Act, is sparking controversy among several European governments, most notably Spain and Germany, which have long worked with Chinese equipment now deeply embedded in their digital infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>This de-risking strategy has also raised financial concerns, since Chinese suppliers tend to be much cheaper than European alternatives such as Ericsson and Nokia, partly because they are publicly subsidised by Beijing.<\/p>\n<p>European telecom operators have asked the EU for financial compensation to replace their Chinese equipment, following the example of the US \u201crip and replace\u201d programme, but neither the EU nor national governments seem keen to put the money on the table.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, the EU&#8217;s full decoupling from China might have high political and economic costs. <\/p>\n<p>Whether European countries are willing to bear it remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  China\u2019s Unitree unveils a rideable, wall-smashing robot straight out of science fiction<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Putin to visit China days after Trump&#8217;s Beijing trip, Kremlin says<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Underwhelming summit outcome in China brings Trump back to reality<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  EU Policy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Commission<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  trade<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  EU-China<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894588-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894588\" data-cid=\"9762500\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894588-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/00\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_3d53e330-59f5-5556-b530-a130f4359584-9700091.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speak to the press in Brussels \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain keeps tilting right under Pedro S\u00e1nchez&#8217;s progressive push<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894661-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894661\" data-cid=\"9762999\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894661-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/29\/99\/320x180_cmsv2_9ae66edc-7c19-529a-9ea1-e9dffc87bb8a-9762999.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: This undated photograph released by the UAE's state-run WAM news agency shows the under-construction Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi's Western desert\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UAE still investigating mystery nuclear plant drone attack<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894504-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894504\" data-cid=\"9762098\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894504-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/20\/98\/320x180_cmsv2_8c5d1a69-973d-521d-8e66-c73d80b02f51-9762098.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni attends a press conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their meeting in Rome, April 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Meloni asks EU to treat energy crisis like defence, relax fiscal rules<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893739-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893739\" data-cid=\"9758821\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893739-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/88\/21\/320x180_cmsv2_cfa31a4f-4bb3-5171-9864-872bd05b47a5-9758821.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Europe in Motion\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hantavirus: How prepared is Europe for new health threats?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894627-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894627\" data-cid=\"9762762\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894627-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/27\/62\/320x180_cmsv2_132e4e07-2346-5750-991e-478464a91001-9762762.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: A bulk cargo ship sits at anchor in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, 2 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran sets up Hormuz transit authority to charge ships for passage<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2894418-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894418\" data-cid=\"9761750\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran has responded to latest US peace proposal, Tehran official says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2894489-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894489\" data-cid=\"9762020\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Japan arrests Americans over stunt at baby monkey Punch&#8217;s zoo<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893969-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893969\" data-cid=\"9759994\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Poland\u2019s hydrogen buses confront high fuel costs, new report claims<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2894416-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894416\" data-cid=\"9761748\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe\u2019s poverty divide: Which cities and regions are most at risk?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2894284-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894284\" data-cid=\"9761309\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Terrorism scenario excluded following Modena car attack<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894588-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894588\" data-cid=\"9762500\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894588-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/00\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_3d53e330-59f5-5556-b530-a130f4359584-9700091.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speak to the press in Brussels \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain keeps tilting right under Pedro S\u00e1nchez&#8217;s progressive push<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894661-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894661\" data-cid=\"9762999\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894661-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/29\/99\/320x180_cmsv2_9ae66edc-7c19-529a-9ea1-e9dffc87bb8a-9762999.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: This undated photograph released by the UAE's state-run WAM news agency shows the under-construction Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi's Western desert\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UAE still investigating mystery nuclear plant drone attack<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894504-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894504\" data-cid=\"9762098\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894504-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/20\/98\/320x180_cmsv2_8c5d1a69-973d-521d-8e66-c73d80b02f51-9762098.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni attends a press conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their meeting in Rome, April 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Meloni asks EU to treat energy crisis like defence, relax fiscal rules<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893739-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893739\" data-cid=\"9758821\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893739-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/88\/21\/320x180_cmsv2_cfa31a4f-4bb3-5171-9864-872bd05b47a5-9758821.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Europe in Motion\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hantavirus: How prepared is Europe for new health threats?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894627-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894627\" data-cid=\"9762762\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894627-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/27\/62\/320x180_cmsv2_132e4e07-2346-5750-991e-478464a91001-9762762.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: A bulk cargo ship sits at anchor in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, 2 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran sets up Hormuz transit authority to charge ships for passage<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894418-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894418\" data-cid=\"9761750\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran has responded to latest US peace proposal, Tehran official says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894489-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894489\" data-cid=\"9762020\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Japan arrests Americans over stunt at baby monkey Punch&#8217;s zoo<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893969-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893969\" data-cid=\"9759994\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Poland\u2019s hydrogen buses confront high fuel costs, new report claims<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894416-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894416\" data-cid=\"9761748\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe\u2019s poverty divide: Which cities and regions are most at risk?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894284-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894284\" data-cid=\"9761309\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Terrorism scenario excluded following Modena car attack<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">As Chinese-made products are flooding the EU market and threatening thousands of jobs, the European Commission is stepping up its work to protect the bloc\u2019s production from the risks of China\u2019s excess production.The move comes as data from Chinese customs showed that, in the first four months of 2026, Beijing accumulated a surplus of $113 billion with the EU-27, up from $91 billion over the same period in 2025. The surplus widened by $22 billion over 12 month, while the EU\u2019s trade deficit with China had already reached \u20ac359.9 billion in 2025.Pressure is also mounting on Brussels as Beijing has repeatedly threatened retaliation in recent weeks over several EU laws limiting access to the single market for Chinese companies.On Friday, China also banned these companies from engaging with the Commission over EU foreign subsidy investigations.To address the China issue and try to restore a level playing field, EU Commissioners are set to debate the matter on 29 May. What options does Europe have on the table?1. Cutting dependence on Chinese componentsThe Financial Times reported on Monday that a plan to force EU companies to buy critical components from at least three different suppliers was in the pipeline at the European Commission.The idea would be to set thresholds of around 30% to 40% for what can be bought from a single supplier, with the rest having to be sourced from at least three different suppliers, not all from the same country.The proposal comes after China last year restricted exports of rare earths and chips, which are critical for key EU industries such as green tech, cars and defence.2. Targeting strategic sectors with tariffsIn its economic security strategy presented last December, the European Commission also said it would present new tools by September 2026 to strengthen the protection of EU industry from unfair trade policies and overcapacities.\u201cWe will fight tooth and nail for every European job, for every European company, for every open sector, if we see they are treated unfairly,\u201d Maro\u0161 \u0160ef\u010dovi\u010d told Euronews.A decision to impose new quotas and double tariffs on global steel imports, dominated by Chinese overcapacities, was already agreed by EU countries and the European Parliament in April.Now the chemical industry is in the spotlight. Chinese chemical imports have surged 81% over five years. But the EU chemical sector also relies on exports abroad, including to China, the industry\u2019s fourth export market, which makes any measure targeting China complicated.\u201cAs an export-oriented industry, the European chemical industry generates over 30% of its sales abroad. That creates a risk of retaliation from third countries,\u201d Philipp Sauer, trade expert at Cefic, the lobby group of the European chemical industry, told Euronews.3. Hitting imports with anti-dumping or anti-subsidy dutiesThe Commission can also impose duties on Chinese companies when import prices fall below those at which they sell their products on their domestic market. It can also investigate companies for receiving unfair subsidies.However, investigations can take up to 18 months, and cases are piling up at the Commission\u2019s DG Trade, which has only around 140 officials to handle them.Sauer said that between one third and half of all ongoing investigations relate to the chemical sector.4. Using the Anti-Coercion InstrumentThe Anti-Coercion Instrument is a last-resort tool \u2014 the so-called trade bazooka \u2014 which can be used in cases of economic pressure from a third country and would allow the EU to hit China with strong measures such as restricting access to licences or public procurement in the EU.But its use would require the backing of a qualified majority of member states, which is not guaranteed.Germany opposed tariffs adopted by the EU in 2024 against Chinese electric vehicles. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez, who has visited China four times in three years, also supports closer ties with Beijing, seeking to secure major Chinese investment.5. Unifying member statesAt the same time, Brussels faces the risk that its decoupling strategy might face significant resistance from national governments. EU member states remain divided over how to approach China, which could in turn allow Beijing to play capitals against each other.Such differences are already emerging in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, where the EU has proposed a new mechanism requiring the phase-out of so-called high-risk suppliers, such as Huawei and ZTE, in strategic industries, starting with telecommunications.The proposal, included in the revamp of the EU Cybersecurity Act, is sparking controversy among several European governments, most notably Spain and Germany, which have long worked with Chinese equipment now deeply embedded in their digital infrastructure.This de-risking strategy has also raised financial concerns, since Chinese suppliers tend to be much cheaper than European alternatives such as Ericsson and Nokia, partly because they are publicly subsidised by Beijing.European telecom operators have asked the EU for financial compensation to replace their Chinese equipment, following the example of the US \u201crip and replace\u201d programme, but neither the EU nor national governments seem keen to put the money on the table.In other words, the EU&#8217;s full decoupling from China might have high political and economic costs.Whether European countries are willing to bear it remains to be seen.\u00a0<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/05\/18\/as-trade-war-with-china-looms-how-can-the-eu-defend-itself&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/12\/47\/1200x675_cmsv2_14457a33-bc2b-5259-8aa4-12c155790af6-9521247.jpg&#8221;] United Arab Emirates UAE still investigating mystery nuclear plant drone attack Top News Stories Today Latest news bulletin | May 18th, 2026 \u2013 Evening Culture news The six books competing for the International Booker Prize 2026 Iran Iran sets up Hormuz transit authority to charge ships for passage United Arab Emirates UAE [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1941615","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1941615","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1941615"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1941615\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1941615"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1941615"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1941615"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}