European Union leaders have expressed concern regarding trade imbalances, implicitly referencing China, but have opted for a measured response. While avoiding direct criticism of Beijing, the leaders instructed the European Commission to strengthen the EU’s trade defense mechanisms. This includes developing and potentially adding to existing tools designed to protect European industries. The move suggests a desire to address unfair trade practices without escalating tensions into a full-blown trade war. The Commission will now work on expanding the EU’s options for responding to trade distortions. This cautious approach reflects differing views among member states regarding how aggressively to confront China. The focus remains on bolstering the EU’s own economic security and ensuring a level playing field for its businesses.