De Wever urges EU to harden stance on China's trade practices
Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever has called on the European Union to adopt a firmer approach towards what he describes as unfair Chinese competition. In a letter to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, he warns that Beijing’s economic policies are eroding Europe’s industrial base, Het Nieuwsblad and De Morgen report.
De Wever argues that China is accelerating an export-led growth strategy, particularly in strategic sectors tied to the green transition, as well as chemicals and pharmaceuticals. He points to early 2026 data showing a 20 per cent increase compared with the previous year.
De Wever also accuses China of putting European companies at a disadvantage on its own market, citing forced technology transfers and alleged breaches of intellectual property rights. Chinese firms investing in Europe, he adds, benefit from state subsidies and often deploy their own workforce, limiting the added value for local economies.
The prime minister further highlights concerns over China’s grip on global supply chains. He notes export restrictions on critical raw materials, which he says are increasingly used as a political lever, and points to risks linked to cyber operations, espionage and China’s support for Russia’s war economy. A potential conflict over Taiwan, he adds, could severely disrupt semiconductor supply chains that are vital to Europe.
Tougher stance on China
De Wever calls on the EU to reassess its current approach, which still defines China simultaneously as a partner, economic competitor and systemic rival. He argues that this framework is outdated and urges a more coherent and assertive policy.
Among the measures proposed, he advocates strengthening the European Commission’s capacity to investigate unfair trade practices and calls for closer coordination among member states to avoid fragmented bilateral agreements with third countries.
He also urges the bloc to reduce its dependence on China by deepening cooperation with countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan and India, all of which face similar challenges. At the same time, he says, Europe should invest in reinforcing its position in global supply chains to counterbalance China’s influence.
"Point of no return"
De Wever acknowledges that a tougher stance could prompt retaliatory measures from Beijing, including restrictions on key exports. However, he argues the EU should absorb such costs, writing that "we have reached a point of no return where we must make difficult choices in the short term to protect our industry, economy and the wellbeing of our citizens in the long term."
He concludes by urging that Chinese competition be placed high on the agenda of the upcoming European Council summit in Cyprus in April.
PHOTO © NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP
Related news
