BRUSSELS––The United States and the European Union must overcome their trade disputes and stand up to China’s “economic aggression” together, U.S. President Donald Trump’s new ambassador to the European Union said on Sept. 7.
“I see real opportunities for the transatlantic relationship to be a force that curtails Chinese economic aggression and unfair trade practices,” Sondland said, citing concerns such as Chinese overproduction, state subsidies, and rules requiring foreign companies to share their know-how with Chinese firms.
“We all share an interest in seeing China offer greater market access and eliminate unfair trade practices, and together we can insist China take the necessary steps to allow its economy to operate more fairly,” Sondland said.
Despite Trump’s tariffs on European exports, Brussels shares Washington’s concern about China’s closed markets and what Western governments say is Beijing’s domination of global trade through state intervention and subsidies.
However, the European Union and the United States differ on how to force Chinese reform, such as the removal of barriers to foreign investment.