EU urges China to curb hybrid car exports as German industry feels pressure from Chinese competition and seeks deeper ties with Japan

The European Union has urged China to voluntarily limit exports of hybrid automobiles and certain chemicals, warning that unchecked imports could strain the EU's industrial base. Beijing dismissed the appeal, accusing the EU of protectionist motives, while EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is preparing to travel to China to advance the negotiations. In the semiconductor sector, German leaders are pushing for a deeper partnership with Japan to lessen reliance on China. At the same time, German manufacturers report that Chinese rivals are matching product quality at lower prices, a development that has coincided with job cuts at Volkswagen and planned layoffs at BMW and Bosch.