European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has delivered a harsh warning to China over trade practices and security concerns, marking a significant shift in the bloc’s approach towards Beijing. The comments came at the G7 summit, where von der Leyen blasted China’s “pattern of dominance, dependency and blackmail” vis-à-vis its trading partners.
Von der Leyen accused China of undermining intellectual property protections, manipulating trade agreements, and restricting access to critical materials like rare earths. She called for greater transparency and cooperation, but stopped short of offering concessions or a reset in relations.
China has responded by criticizing von der Leyen’s remarks as “baseless” and “biased”, while also reiterating its commitment to increasing communication and coordination with the EU. The two sides will meet again at an upcoming summit, where trade and security issues are expected to dominate the agenda.
The EU’s tough stance on China is seen as a response to Beijing’s intransigence on key issues. However, some member states are pushing for a more balanced approach, which would prioritize cooperation over confrontation. As tensions between the EU and China continue to grow, it remains to be seen whether von der Leyen’s approach will yield any positive outcomes.
Analysts warn that the EU needs to stand firm on its interests, particularly in the face of growing Chinese influence in Europe. While trade remains a critical issue, security concerns over foreign interference, human rights abuses, and military expansion are also increasingly pressing. As the EU-China summit approaches, it is clear that the stakes will be high for both sides.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/06/21/turkish-president-erdogan-warns-against-new-sykes-picot-order-in-the-middle-east