Sino-European Tensions Simmer Ahead of Key Summit

Tensions between the European Union and China are simmering ahead of a key summit, with the two economic giants scrapping over trade and security. Beijing is flooding global markets with subsidized goods to wipe out competitors, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today. She demanded Beijing correct market distortions that have shut down entire European industries.

The flare-up follows Chinese retaliatory measures targeting EU medical device makers. Friction between Beijing and Brussels has grown in recent months, fueled by issues including China’s stricter control over rare earths that has affected European businesses. In a sign of strain, the Chinese government intended to shorten a two-day summit with EU leaders this month to just a day.