China-EU Relations: Trade Surplus and Market Access Tensions Persist

EU-China relations continue to be marked by strategic uncertainty due to record trade deficits, EV tariffs, and strategic dependencies.

Tensions Persist in EU-China Relations Amid Strategic Uncertainty The relationship between the European Union and China is deepening into the 'strategic uncertainty' stage, as defined for 2026. China maintains its position as one of the EU's largest trading partners while also emerging as a competitor in various fields.

Moreover, China has taken a direct rival position on fundamental issues such as values, human rights, and international law. This intertwined position is becoming the fertile ground for EU policy responses that are often contradictory and inconsistent.

From a trade perspective, the deficit between the EU and China continues to be unsustainable compared to previous years. The issue of reciprocal tariffs on electric vehicles remains unresolved despite ongoing negotiations.

While the EU's anti-dumping measures on Chinese goods such as steel and solar panels have contributed to reducing some trade frictions, they have not addressed the underlying structural issues. In terms of strategic dependencies, the critical issue of processing raw materials continues to be a direct function of European decisions.

At the diplomatic level, the EU and China have held numerous high-level meetings during this process. Both sides have concrete goals, but the trust gap remains open in terms of trade harmonization, market access, and specific geopolitical issues.

A key factor in this process is the varying assessments of EU member states regarding their relationships with China; some countries adopt a stricter stance, while others prioritize commercial relations.