EU, China Clash Over Trade Deficits, War In Ukraine

The leaders of China and the European Union (EU) held talks last week in Beijing focusing on disputes over trade, subsidies, and the deep divide over the war in Ukraine, reported Ken Moritsugu for the Associated Press (AP).

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the two European presidents, Ursula von der Leyen from the EU Commission, and Charles Michel from the EU Council. I Photo: European Commission Facebook

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the two European presidents, Ursula von der Leyen from the EU Commission, and Charles Michel from the EU Council.

The EU is urging China to improve market access to address an annual trade imbalance of more than $200 billion. China, in turn, is displeased with an EU investigation into subsidies for electric vehicles and potential restrictions on technology exports.

The EU has called on China to leverage its influence with Russia to help resolve the Ukraine conflict. Von der Leyen emphasized the need to manage differences responsibly.

The meeting followed Italy's withdrawal from Xi's "Belt and Road" initiative, becoming the first G7 country to do so, citing a ballooning trade deficit with China.

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