China can afford further deterioration, or even a freeze, in its economic and trade relations with the European Union if talks between the two sides are merely a formality, according to the China Central Television's Yuyuantantian social media account.
The account stated that the European Union changed its approach following an investigation into subsidies for electric vehicles, now employing pressure tactics and imposing conditions to strengthen its negotiating position. It accused the bloc of violating the rules, arguing that its influence in setting regulatory standards is waning as it increasingly resorts to drafting rules that create barriers to approvals and market access.
Upcoming trade negotiations
The European Union's trade commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, is scheduled to meet with China's Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, in Brussels this week, as the bloc presses Beijing to address its growing trade imbalance, which reached nearly 360 billion euros ($410 billion) in 2025 and has continued to widen this year.
The talks come after European leaders urged the European Commission to continue negotiating, while simultaneously preparing to take defensive measures, amid concerns about subsidized Chinese imports, reliance on supply chains, and the risk of retaliatory measures should tensions escalate.
The Yuyuantian account also stated that Chinese companies are giving Europe less priority, suggesting a potential decline in the bloc's influence. It noted that many investment projects between China and Europe are ongoing, particularly in new energy vehicles, batteries, and the automotive industry—sectors that European countries are actively seeking to attract.
He added that prospects for strengthening cooperation could become unclear unless the European Union changes its position.
