EU Chamber Warns of Challenges for European Firms Amid China's Industrial Boom

China's rapid industrial modernization, particularly through its 'Made in China 2025' strategy, has resulted in significant market dominance in sectors like shipbuilding, electric vehicles, and solar panels, raising concerns for European manufacturers who face increased competition and diminished export opportunities. The EU Chamber of Commerce in Beijing notes that while China is now largely independent in many key areas, European businesses still retain some opportunities in sectors where China lags, such as aerospace and medical devices. Meanwhile, trade tensions between the U.S. and China remain high, with analysts warning that steep U.S. tariffs could backfire by driving away foreign investment and increasing costs for American consumers, as supply chains adapt and imported goods become more expensive and potentially lower in quality. These shifts suggest that the U.S. may play a reduced role in global trade, while Europe and East Asia become more central to a new, globalized trading system.