"The EU and China are broadly on a colliding trajectory in terms of their trade and industrial policy concerns," he told CNBC. Bones of contention include the challenge of China's overcapacity and trade diversion to Europe, Stec, who is also head of the Mercator Institute's Brussels office, explained.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused China of distorting trade and limiting access for European firms two weeks ahead of a summit between the economic powers.

The tit-for-tat trade dispute between the European Union and China over medical devices shows no sign of resolution, as Beijing has announced new retaliatory measures in response to the EU’s recent procurement restrictions.

EU imports nearly all rare earths from China; experts warn of 'blackmail' risk as bloc faces pressure from Trump tariffs, Beijing's grip ahead of high-stakes EU-China summit

Tensions between the European Union and China are simmering ahead of a key summit, with the two economic giants scrapping over trade and security. Beijing is flooding global markets with subsidized goods to wipe out competitors,

Beijing and Europe’s tit-for-tat trade restrictions are largely symbolic but demonstrate the worsening of their ties ahead of a joint summit.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in Europe to set the tone for the upcoming EU-China Summit, but the differences are such between the two sides that the summit could become meaningless and get condensed to a one-day affair.

China has imposed anti-dumping duties on European brandy, most notably cognac produced in France. The tariffs announced Friday will range from 27.7% to 34.9% and take effect on Saturday.