EU trade chief urges comprehensive China deal ahead of MEP delegation visit
EU Parliament trade chief Bernd Lange urged a wide-scope trade pact with China, including investment, as a group of MEPs prepares to travel to Beijing.
Twelve members of the European Parliament are set to travel to Beijing next week, and trade committee chair Bernd Lange used the occasion to press for a broad EU-China trade accord that would incorporate investment provisions and revive elements of the frozen Comprehensive Agreement on Investment. Lange said negotiating piecemeal on individual sectors makes little sense and cited current disputes over hybrid-car export limits, strict licensing for rare-earth exports, and alleged subsidies in chemicals, machinery and public-procurement pricing.
French MEP Pascal Canfin echoed the call, warning that sector-wide unfair practices could damage European manufacturers. The delegation plans talks with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, members of the National People’s Congress, and high-tech representatives in Hangzhou. Recent EU moves include unilateral quotas to protect vulnerable sectors, while some member states, such as Spain, favour a softer stance to attract Chinese investment.
Why it matters
A broader EU-China trade deal could reshape market access and address long-standing trade imbalances.
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