European Union · Full chronicle and history

On September 17, the Financial Times reported that the EU has asked China to restrict exports of hybrid vehicles to Europe, setting a 15% market share cap. EU officials warned that if Beijing fails to cooperate voluntarily, the EU will take mandatory restrictive measures aimed at protecting domestic European industries from shocks.

On September 15, German Chancellor Merz criticized China at the Berlin Entrepreneurs' Conference, stating that through state intervention, overcapacity, and export subsidies, China has driven the EU's trade deficit with China to over 300 billion euros. EU leaders plan to discuss in October whether to deploy trade defense instruments.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill with 262 votes in favor and 159 against, authorizing the imposition of tariffs on countries that are top purchasers of Russian energy. These countries could face tariffs of up to 100 percent. The bill was introduced by the Republican Party, with 58 Democratic representatives supporting it and 7 Republican representatives voting against it. After passing, the bill was sent to the White House and still requires the President's signature. The relevant measures affect countries that purchase Russian energy, such as China and India.

During Canadian Prime Minister Carney's visit to Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the EU's first "associate member," sparking widespread outside attention and discussion.