Story perspectives
Germany Plans Firmer China Trade Stance After Accusations
8/21/2026
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Story summary
- German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil accused China of flouting global trade rules.
- He said Berlin will adopt a firmer stance toward China.
- He urged stronger resilience for Germany’s steel and automotive sectors.
- Berlin is mapping Chinese vulnerabilities for possible EU trade-war use.
- EU leaders tasked the European Commission in June with trade-defense proposals targeting a daily deficit over €1 billion.
