EPP Chief Warns China Threatens European Industry

Manfred Weber, president of the European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, has called for tougher action by the European Union (EU) against China, arguing that Brussels can no longer continue with its current approach and must protect its economic interests more vigorously.

"The time of naivety is over. We must defend European interests more clearly, more firmly and more consistently", Weber told Bild am Sonntag.

The influential German politician pointed to the growing trade deficit between the EU and China, estimated at almost 1bn euros a day, describing the situation as unsustainable and warning of negative consequences for European industry and jobs.

"Either we defend ourselves, or China will flatten parts of our industry", Weber said.

His comments come ahead of a June EU summit at which member state leaders will discuss trade protection measures being prepared by the European Commission, including tariffs and other instruments to protect the European market.

Weber also argued that the EU should use China's access to the single market as a lever to promote fair competition. He supported limiting the participation of Chinese companies in EU-funded development projects and called for China to be excluded from the development of 6G technology in Europe.

(reuters, max)