As U.S. tariffs rattle Europe, China steps in with an offer—will the EU take the bait?
The Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, recently urged Europe to make a “rational choice” by turning toward China.
This comes as the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump imposes fresh tariffs on European auto imports, threatening key industries like Germany’s car manufacturers.
The timing is critical. EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič is visiting China this week after tense talks in the U.S., where both sides threatened billions in retaliatory tariffs.
Meanwhile, European leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have called the U.S. move “bad for businesses and worse for consumers.”
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China’s Pitch: Stability Over Uncertainty
China is positioning itself as a reliable partner. “As U.S. policy uncertainty grows, China stands out for its stability,” the Global Times wrote. Beijing is also pushing for Europe to maintain “strategic autonomy”—a nod to reducing reliance on the U.S.
While China seeks closer ties, the EU has concerns. European businesses face trade imbalances, market access barriers, and data transfer issues in China.
Šefčovič is expected to raise these during his visit, but he’ll also emphasize the importance of EU-China trade, especially since the EU is a major market for Chinese goods.
With multiple European officials, including French and Portuguese foreign ministers, visiting China this week, the stage is set for high-stakes diplomacy. Will Europe lean toward China, or will it seek to balance relations with both superpowers?
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