The last time the leaders of the European Union held strategic conversations about China was after the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. Twelve Heads of State and Government imposed sanctions in connection with violent repression against civilians. Almost 30 years later, during the last March European Council, EU leaders once again focused on China, calling the country a “systemic rival” and deciding that it was time for the EU to face it again. Due to the growing concerns relating to China’s industrial policy, cyber security and trade wars, Beijing returned to the top of the European agenda. At the same time, some of EU leaders claimed it was necessary to increase the role of the state in the economy as a form of counterbalance to the growing presence of China on the European continent. Considering the above, can we talk about the end of the European free trade period and the beginning of a protectionist period?
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