EU sends envoy to Beijing as rising exports from China raise economic anxiety

The European Union is preparing for a clash with China as the trade deficit between the two nations exceeds $1 billion a day, raising concerns over potential job losses and prompting political leaders to adopt a tougher stance. The EU's top trade envoy, Maroš Šefčovič, will travel to Beijing on Thursday for a two-day meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to address the widening gap.

Chinese subsidies and exports, particularly in sectors like steel and automotive manufacturing, are seen as a major threat to core EU industries. In response, European lawmakers have voted in favor of a resolution demanding economic reciprocity and a proportionate EU response if China fails to open its markets, with 454 out of 454 politicians supporting the measure.

While the EU's options include tariffs and a comprehensive trade strategy, known as the "trade bazooka," the bloc's unity on the issue remains uncertain, as some member states, such as Spain, have shown a more lenient approach towards China. Analysts argue that Europe must act decisively to protect its industries and competitiveness, and to prevent a repeat of the job losses experienced during the U.S. trade dispute with China in the early 2000s.