INTA Concludes Delegation Visit to China Amid Trade Imbalance Concerns
Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – October 31, 2026 – The European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) recently wrapped up a significant three-day delegation visit to China, advocating for enhanced operational collaboration and tangible results to address ongoing trade imbalances. The delegation, led by Chair Bernd Lange, engaged with senior Chinese officials in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai from October 27 to October 29. Discussions centered on barriers to market access for European businesses, industrial subsidies, the availability of critical raw materials, predictable supply chains, and the execution of recent agreements related to hybrid vehicle imports.
This marks the first dedicated INTA delegation trip to China since 2018, and it is the fourth broader European Parliament delegation to China in 2026. Throughout these high-level discussions, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) underscored the importance of avoiding trade conflicts, emphasizing that structured and regular dialogue is essential for fostering mutual trust and achieving equitable economic conditions.
Trade Dialogue and Measured Outcomes
The delegation highlighted the established Trade and Investment Consultation (TIC) framework as a vital instrument for promoting economic progress. INTA Chair Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany) commented on the evolution of the international landscape since the committee’s last visit eight years ago.
“The world has drastically changed since our last visit to China in 2018,” Lange noted. “The opportunity to discuss the continuation of the TIC framework comes at a crucial moment for EU-China relations. The recent TIC agreement on hybrid car imports serves as a positive starting point in stabilizing fair trade and benefiting individuals in both regions. However, we firmly communicated our expectations for extending this approach to more sectors along with credible implementation of existing commitments. This is essential for not only improving trade relationships but also strengthening our economic and political ties. I appreciate the constructive discussions regarding increased transparency in subsidies and supply chains.”
Pascal Canfin (Renew, France), INTA’s standing rapporteur on trade relations with China, echoed the need for urgent structural reforms in bilateral trade exchanges. “It was crucial for the European Parliament to express urgency during our mission to stabilize and rebalance the EU-China trade relationship,” Canfin emphasized. “While interdependence is central to our relations, the current Chinese export model is unsustainable for the EU. The imbalances are evident, and the EU is ready to take measures if necessary. Our strategy prioritizes dialogue, but we must also see results. The TIC discussions generated momentum and delivered concrete outcomes, and we aim to maintain this spirit to achieve more for our citizens in the near future.”
Key Operational Concerns and Market Access Obstacles
During their meetings in Beijing, MEPs addressed the systemic challenges faced by European companies in the Chinese market. Key issues included regulatory obstacles, foreign enterprise policies, manufacturing overcapacity, and secure access to essential raw materials required for the European Union’s industrial transformation.
The delegation outlined forthcoming legislative initiatives aimed at bolstering European industrial self-reliance and safeguarding regional supply chain security, reaffirming the European Parliament’s dedication to multilateral trade governance through the World Trade Organization (WTO).
High-Level Ministerial Meetings and Regional Technology Inspections
The parliamentary delegation conducted formal discussions with several key political figures in Beijing, including Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao; Cai Dafeng and Li Hongzhong, Vice-Chairs of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC); and Zhong Shan, Chairperson of the NPC Financial and Economic Affairs Committee. Additionally, they engaged in roundtable discussions with representatives from the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China to assess the business climate on the ground.
Following their engagements in the capital, the delegation visited key tech and economic centers in Zhejiang and Shanghai provinces. In Hangzhou, they met with technology firms, including robotics company Unitree and neurotechnology company BrainCo. The trip concluded in Shanghai with a formal bilateral meeting with Vice-Mayor Lu Shan.
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