EU and China Trade War Looms After Heated Beijing Talks

Talks between European and Chinese officials turned hostile in Beijing this week, raising fears of a full-blown trade war. During a conference hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce, diplomats and experts from both sides clashed over growing trade imbalances. Chinese participants dismissed Europe’s long-standing complaints, accusing EU diplomats of “bullying” and calling the bloc’s policies “protectionist.” In turn, European officials accused China of ignoring the harsh economic reality of an increasingly one-sided trade relationship. The acrimonious exchanges signal deepening tensions between the two economic powers, with both sides blaming each other for the breakdown in cooperation.