EU’s push to cut China dependency tests its appetite for confrontation
By Oscar Pandiello and Cynthia Kroet ( October 1, 2026, 13:58 GMT | Comment) -- The EU's plans to steer companies away from dominant suppliers are raising the stakes for trade talks with China. A new tool to diversify supply chains — expected by December — could give Brussels more leverage, but Beijing’s warning of a firm response highlights the risk of confrontation before European businesses have secured alternatives.The EU’s push to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies risks escalating trade tensions, just as the two sides approach crucial talks. Brussels is preparing measures to encourage companies to source elsewhere, potentially including tariffs, while Beijing has warned it would respond to discriminatory restrictions....
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