Key facts
- The EU has begun a two-week period of intense policymaking concerning China.
- Major EU member states may adopt a tougher trade stance towards China.
- China's Vice Minister of Commerce, Ling Ji, is meeting with EU officials and businesses.
- Diplomats are preparing for key upcoming discussions on China policy.
A critical two-week period for European Union policymaking on China has commenced, marked by signs that key member states are leaning towards a more stringent trade approach despite considerable pressure from Beijing.
China's Vice Minister of Commerce, Ling Ji, was scheduled to hold discussions with the newly appointed EU Trade Director, Ditte Juul Jorgensen, in Brussels. Ling Ji's agenda also included meetings with Chinese businesses in the Belgian capital before proceeding to forums in Berlin and Dusseldorf.
Concurrently, EU diplomats have begun the preparatory work for a significant upcoming summit focused on China policy.