The European Union's new, tougher approach to China is being shaped by France's concerns about Beijing's trade practices.
The latter are posing a particularly significant threat to key industries.
As Bloomberg notes, Paris has taken a key role in pushing for policy change, believing that inaction now could endanger the EU's economy in the long term.
Anonymous high-ranking sources cited by the agency point to the collapse of the solar industry a decade ago, when cheap imports from China wiped out European production.
One of the officials said the European auto industry could be hit the same way, leaving the EU with a big dilemma: Either assert its power or bow to China.
The EU's aim is not to turn Europe's $900 billion-a-year trade relationship with China into a frontal battle like Beijing's with the US, but rather to create a level playing field between the biggest economic blocs in the world. world.
French President Emmanuel Macron wants his EU partners to see Europe as a balancing force between the world's two economic superpowers. This would allow Paris and other capitals to cultivate special relationships with other potential allies, such as India.
The European Union is considering imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which could lead to a trade war with China. This initiative has caused concern among European economists, who warn that such an action could have serious consequences for the European economy.
French President Emmanuel Macron is one of the main proponents of a tough line against China. Macron believes that Europe must protect its industries from Chinese subsidies and cheap imports.
However, many other European countries, including Germany, are more reluctant to engage in a trade war with China, fearing it would hurt their exports.