"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.

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,

The European Union braced on Friday to receive a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, outlining planned duties on his largest trade and investment partner after a broadening of his tariff war in recent days.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

The European Parliament has censured China over restrictions on rare earth exports, urging the EU to resist Beijing's moves to gain leverage. Ahead of an EU-China summit, lawmakers passed a motion criticizing China's actions as coercive,

Announcement comes as Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Europe trying to resolve trade disputes, and one analyst says Beijing is ‘clearly disappointed by the EU playing hardball’.