Barkin: Europe 'far more united' on tougher China trade line after German shift
The EU is more united than in years on taking a firmer line over China's trade imbalance, says Rhodium Group senior adviser Noah Barkin. He credits a shift by Germany towards a tougher stance.
The European Union is more united than it has been in years on taking a harder line over its trade imbalance with China, according to Noah Barkin, senior adviser at the research firm Rhodium Group and author of the Watching China in Europe newsletter. He made the comments on 15 October on Euronews' programme Special Report with Maria, saying Germany's move towards a firmer position was the key change.
The EU has set an October deadline to deal with its growing trade deficit with China. If that fails, the bloc could turn to tougher measures.
Balance of leverage
Barkin said Beijing has "retaliation dominance in the short term", meaning it is well placed to respond to any European steps. Even so, he argued the EU has leverage of its own: access to its single market. He also said he believes China wants to avoid escalation.
A more united position among member states could strengthen the bloc's hand in dealing with Beijing, in Barkin's assessment. The source does not detail which specific measures are under consideration if the deadline passes without results.
