EU-China trade talks begin in Beijing amid escalating pressure

What happened: European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic arrived in Beijing for talks with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Thursday and Friday about the EU trade deficit and Chinese curbs on rare earths and critical minerals exports. Key numbers: EU trade deficit of more than €1bn ($1.12bn) daily; talks since June; Sefcovic sought tangible results by October. Why it matters: EU lawmakers called for a more assertive trade policy toward Beijing, while China vowed a resolute response if restrictions proceed. France and Germany urged a quickly activatable EU trade instrument.

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic arrived in Beijing for talks with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Thursday and Friday about the EU trade deficit and Chinese curbs on rare earths and critical minerals exports.

EU lawmakers called for a more assertive trade policy toward Beijing, while China vowed a resolute response if restrictions proceed. France and Germany urged a quickly activatable EU trade instrument.