European Union Trade Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has delivered a blunt assessment of the bloc's trade relationship with China, stating that Beijing is not playing by the rules. Speaking in Brussels on Monday, Hoekstra argued that the EU must adopt a more assertive posture to protect its economic interests and uphold the principles of fair competition.
"China's approach to trade is increasingly at odds with the rules-based system that has underpinned global commerce for decades," Hoekstra said. "We cannot simply stand by while our industries face unfair barriers and state-backed competition."
A shift in tone
The remarks mark a notable hardening of the EU's rhetoric towards China, a shift that has been building over the past year. While Brussels has traditionally favoured engagement and dialogue, a growing number of member states are pressing for a tougher line, particularly in sectors such as technology, green energy, and manufacturing.
Hoekstra's comments come ahead of a series of high-level meetings between EU and Chinese officials, where market access and industrial subsidies are expected to dominate the agenda. The Commissioner did not announce specific new measures but hinted that the European Commission is preparing a more comprehensive strategy to address what he called "systemic imbalances" in the bilateral relationship.
"We are not looking for confrontation, but we are ready to defend our interests," Hoekstra added. "The era of naive reliance on market forces alone is over."
European divisions
However, the EU is far from united on how to handle China. While Germany, with its large export sector, has historically favoured a more conciliatory approach, France and several southern member states have pushed for greater reciprocity and tougher enforcement of trade rules. The debate has intensified as European companies report difficulties in accessing the Chinese market, while Chinese firms benefit from state support and preferential treatment at home.
Analysts say Hoekstra's language reflects a broader consensus emerging in Brussels that the EU must recalibrate its China policy. "The tone has changed significantly," said Maria Snegovaya, a trade expert at the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels. "There is now a recognition that the EU needs to be more proactive, not just reactive, in dealing with China's trade practices."
The European Commission has already taken steps in this direction, including the introduction of an anti-coercion instrument and stricter scrutiny of foreign subsidies. These tools are designed to counter unfair practices and ensure a level playing field for European businesses.
Implications for European industry
For European manufacturers, the stakes are high. Industries from automotive to renewable energy are increasingly reliant on Chinese supply chains, yet they also face intense competition from Chinese rivals that benefit from state aid and economies of scale. Hoekstra's call for a firmer line is likely to be welcomed by business groups, though some warn that a more confrontational approach could backfire.
"We need to be careful not to escalate into a full-blown trade war," said Jürgen Matthes, an economist at the German Economic Institute in Cologne. "The EU must find a balance between defending its interests and maintaining access to a crucial market."
As the EU prepares to unveil its new trade strategy later this year, Hoekstra's remarks signal that China will be at the centre of the debate. The Commissioner's message is clear: Europe is no longer willing to accept the status quo.
For more on the latest developments across the continent, see our morning briefing for August 29 and midday updates from August 28.
