Belgium PM De Wever Calls for EU Strategy to Counter China's Economic Practices
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever urged European leaders to develop a coordinated strategy to address what he characterizes as China's unfair trade practices, stating that EU leaders are too afraid to directly name China's role in economic imbalances. De Wever's comments come ahead of an EU summit scheduled for June 18-19 and reflect growing European concern over a trade deficit with China that reached nearly 360 billion euros in 2025. The push for a tougher EU stance on China reflects broader geopolitical tensions and follows the European Commission's acknowledgment that the EU-China trade relationship is unsustainable.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever delivered remarks at a Brussels event organized by pro-EU think tanks, calling on European leaders to move beyond individual initiatives and adopt a unified economic strategy to counter China. De Wever criticized European reluctance to directly name China when discussing unfair trading practices, arguing that "a strategy is going to eat our initiatives for breakfast." He expressed disappointment with French President Emmanuel Macron's separate G7 efforts to address global trade imbalances, contending that Europe needs a more decisive approach. De Wever's position reflects broader EU concerns: the bloc's goods trade deficit with China grew to approximately 360 billion euros in 2025, up from 312 billion euros in 2024. The Belgian PM has previously urged the EU to reduce dependence on China by strengthening ties with the United States, Japan, and India. China's Foreign Ministry responded by characterizing such diversification efforts as protectionism, arguing that European companies choose Chinese suppliers based on cost, technology, and efficiency rather than over-dependence.
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Belgium PM De Wever: E.U. Leaders Afraid of China, Must Fight Unfair Trade
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