'Winds Are Moving': EU Warms to China, Leaving Trump Behind

EU Turns Toward China Amid Rising US Trade Tensions

Amid escalating economic tensions between the United States and China, the European Union appears to be pivoting toward Beijing as a strategic trade partner, raising eyebrows in Washington. The shift comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's renewed tariff campaign targeting Chinese imports, which has provoked fierce international responses. Christophe Licoppe / European Union, 2024 / EC - Audiovisual Service / Wikimedia

Von der Leyen Calls China After Trump’s Tariff Speech

According to Euronews, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's first call after Trump's announcement of “reciprocal tariffs” was to Chinese officials, who declared they would “fight until the end” against the U.S. measures. Von der Leyen emphasized the responsibility of both the EU and China, “as two of the world’s largest markets, to support a strong reformed trading system, free, fair and founded on a level playing field.” European People's Party / Wikimedia

Beijing Welcomes Stronger Ties with European Union

Beijing responded affirmatively, saying: “China is ready to work with the European side to promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.” SW1994 / Pixabay

EU and China Seek Deal on Electric Vehicle Import Dispute

Behind closed doors, EU officials are reportedly working with China to resolve long-standing disputes, including high tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Talks have reportedly advanced toward a solution involving a minimum pricing system to circumvent the import block. iMoD Official / Wikimedia

EU Insider: ‘The Winds Are Moving’ in China Relations

A source familiar with the negotiations told Euronews: “The EU wants and needs to be seen as a reliable partner in the world.” Echoing von der Leyen’s remarks, they noted, “the discussion with China is evolving because China is looking at us differently.” They added: “I don't think the European approach towards China has changed completely, but the winds are moving.” Kaboompics.com / Pexels

EU Trade Official Heads to Washington Amid Tariff Fallout

Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic traveled to Washington for discussions with U.S. officials as the Trump administration attempts to navigate the fallout from the tariffs. Despite Trump’s initial hardline stance, his administration recently suspended tariffs on electronics like smartphones and laptops, shielding companies such as Apple from the full brunt of the policy. European Commission Audiovisual Service / Wikimedia

Tariff Freeze Signals Possible De-Escalation, but EU Shifts Remain

The temporary tariff freeze, which spans 90 days, also prompted the EU to pause its own retaliatory tariffs, signaling a tentative de-escalation. Still, the broader picture shows Europe cautiously distancing itself from Washington's trade approach while warming to economic collaboration with China. freestocks.org / Pexels