Trade relations hang in the balance as China’s top diplomat tours Europe

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas greets Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi prior to a meeting in Brussels on 2 July. AP - Virginia Mayo

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi’s high-profile tour of Europe this week has been dominated by deepening trade tensions and mounting security concerns, with relations between Beijing and the European Union their most strained in years. Meanwhile, Brussels is attempting to maintain good relations with Washington, in the face of President Donald Trump's unpredictable policies.

While Wang is touring Europe and meeting with top decision makers, China's commerce ministry moved to massively increase some tariffs on EU products.