European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has launched a blistering attack on China’s trade practices, accusing Beijing of “rigging” the system and demanding a “genuine rebalancing” of their economic relationship. The sharp criticism comes just two weeks before a high-stakes summit between the two economic powers.
Speaking to the European Parliament, von der Leyen laid out a series of grievances. She accused China of deliberately flooding global markets with cheap, subsidized goods like electric vehicles and solar panels to wipe out Western competitors. She also pointed to Beijing’s recent export controls on rare earth magnets, a move that has significantly impacted European industries.
“This is simply not fair,” von der Leyen stated, highlighting a system where Chinese goods get an automatic 20% price advantage in public bids. She argued this demonstrates an explicitly rigged system designed to limit access for European businesses.
Tensions are already high. The EU has imposed its tariffs on Chinese EVs, and Beijing has retaliated. The upcoming summit has also been partially cancelled by the Chinese government, signaling deep friction.
Von der Leyen’s speech makes it clear that unless China addresses these “market distortions” and allows for fair, reciprocal access, the relationship will continue to deteriorate.
