Key Points:
- European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič stated the bloc will protect its industries against unfair Chinese trade practices.
- China recently threatened retaliation if Europe passes its new industrial and cybersecurity laws.
- The trade deficit between Europe and China surged to €359.3 billion in 2025.
- European leaders worry that cheap Chinese goods rejected by the United States now flood local markets.
European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič delivered a strong warning to China this week. During an exclusive interview, he stated that European leaders will not hesitate to defend their local industries. This firm stance comes right after officials in Beijing threatened possible retaliation over new European plans to strengthen its industrial base. China increased its political pressure on Brussels over the past few days. Chinese leaders threatened strict countermeasures unless the European Union weakens the core parts of its new “Made in Europe” proposal. This specific legislation aims to tighten market access for foreign companies operating inside the bloc. China also wants Europe to drop its new Cybersecurity Act because the law could severely restrict Chinese telecom companies from operating across Europe.
When asked about China’s angry reaction, Šefčovič made his position extremely clear. He explained that Europe simply needs these measures to reinforce its sovereignty and restore a fair playing field for local businesses. He stated that European lawmakers will always defend the financial interests of their home companies. “We will fight tooth and nail for every European job, for every European company, for every open sector, if we see they are treated unfairly,” Šefčovič said during his interview with Euronews on Friday.
The political and economic relationship between Brussels and Beijing worsened rapidly over the past 12 months. China recently placed tight export controls on rare earth materials. European factories desperately need these materials to build clean technology and modern defense systems. China also restricted the flow of important computer chips that power the European automotive sector. These sudden Chinese export limits put massive pressure on already fragile supply chains across the continent. To fight back, European lawmakers drafted new proposals to improve cybersecurity and protect the single market. These new rules sparked a harsh reaction from China. Chinese officials accused the European Union of using unfair business practices to block foreign competition. Earlier this week, leaders in Beijing warned that Europe should never underestimate China’s firm resolve to safeguard its own financial interests.
Despite the harsh words, Šefčovič rejected the idea that these recent arguments signal an upcoming trade war. He stressed that European lawmakers do not make decisions under pressure, and they expect respect from their global trading partners. He stated clearly that the European Union never threatens its partners, and it certainly refuses to negotiate through angry media statements. Instead, he said the situation requires strategic patience and a great deal of courage. Šefčovič noted that leaders can easily start a trade war, but they always find it difficult to exit one. A Chinese official shared a similar view, stating that Beijing does not actually want a trade fight to escalate. However, the Chinese representative warned that Beijing takes discriminatory practices very seriously. European officials firmly deny any claims of discrimination against Chinese businesses.
The massive trade gap between the two regions serves as the main cause for concern in Brussels. The European trade deficit with China skyrocketed to €359.3 billion in 2025. Šefčovič called this massive financial gap completely unsustainable and noted that the numbers show absolutely no signs of improving. He explained that policymakers, the European Parliament, and local business owners have delivered a very strong economic and political reaction to fix this massive trade problem. Yet, despite these efforts, Brussels has failed to secure any meaningful commitments from Beijing to balance the trade relationship.
At the same time, European officials see a new danger on the horizon. The United States recently placed high tariffs on Chinese goods, shutting them out of the American market. Now, European leaders worry that Chinese companies simply redirect those cheap, heavily subsidized exports directly into Europe. Officials in Brussels point to massive overcapacity in Chinese factories as a severe threat to European manufacturing.
The European Union now urges Beijing to enter serious negotiations and deliver concrete solutions. Šefčovič said he recently invited the Chinese foreign minister to visit Brussels. He wants a very thorough assessment of the current economic situation and hopes for a constructive engagement between the two sides. While waiting for a response, the European Union plans to rely heavily on its trade defense instruments. These tools help European officials counter dumped goods and heavily subsidized foreign products. Authorities also closely monitor Chinese firms that try to circumvent trade restrictions by relocating their factories outside China.
Šefčovič made it absolutely clear that Europe will not retreat from these major economic issues. He pointed out that countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, and South Korea all operate very strong industrial policies. Therefore, he believes no one should be surprised when the European Union responds with its own protective measures, especially when the government spends public money.
