EU Commission Declares Trade Ties With China ‘Not Sustainable’

The European Commission has called for a more robust response to surging Chinese imports and growing economic imbalance. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang (R) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (L) attend the EU–China Business Leaders Symposium at the Great Hall of the People of Beijing on July 24, 2025. Andres Martinez Casares / POOL / AFP via Getty Images

The European Commission said on May 29 that the European Union’s current trade and investment relationship with China is no longer sustainable, reflecting growing concern in Brussels over industrial competition and economic security.

The assessment followed an internal orientation debate among commissioners ahead of the G7 summit and the European Council meeting on June 18 and June 19. Officials said the discussion would help shape future policy, although no major proposals are expected before the third quarter of the year.