The EU is its own worst enemy
The European Parliament voted by a large majority for a significantly tougher position on China, despite long-standing lobbying by Beijing. The report labels China a "decisive enabler" of Russia, calls for a continuous European naval presence and joint exercises in and around the Taiwan Strait, and describes Beijing's industrial policy as an existential threat to the EU. The vote followed a joint paper and letter from France and Germany to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen demanding a new trade instrument that would allow the Commission to cut off access to the EU market when third countries cause severe distortions.
Why it matters: The measures described mark a further hardening of EU-China relations, with trade and security instruments now directed at Beijing.