Key facts
- EU leaders want the European Commission to develop tougher tools against China's economic influence.
- The request was made during a summit dinner in Brussels.
- Leaders aim to defend EU interests and reduce dependence on China.
- Concerns include unfair Chinese subsidies impacting European industries.
- The Commission will review current trade defense mechanisms and consider new instruments.
European Union leaders have urged the European Commission to develop stronger tools to counter China's economic influence, signaling a growing consensus for a tougher stance against Beijing. During a summit in Brussels, leaders requested that the Commission assess the EU's existing trade defense mechanisms and "eventually" propose new instruments to protect European industries from what they deem unfair competition, particularly from Chinese subsidies that allow for the sale of high-end goods at low prices.