France and allies push EU for new trade defence tool targeting China

France and a group of allied European Union member states are calling for a new trade defence instrument aimed at countering China, according to a report by EurActiv.

The proposals are being advanced ahead of a significant strategic debate set for Friday in Brussels, where EU institutions are expected to discuss the bloc's broader approach toward Beijing at a time of heightened tensions over trade imbalances and market access.

The French-led push reflects growing momentum within the EU for stronger, more coordinated mechanisms to address what several member states characterise as unfair Chinese trade practices, including subsidised exports that European industries argue distort competition in the single market.

While specific details of the proposed instrument's legal framework or financial scope were not included in the EurActiv report, France's active role in building a coalition of supporters signals that pressure on Brussels to act is intensifying ahead of Friday's debate, which is expected to shape the EU's medium-term trade strategy toward China.