European leaders are being cautioned against adopting aggressive trade policies toward China, warning that such actions could mirror past U.S. missteps and harm their own economies.

As discussions on China policy intensify across Europe, political leaders in Berlin and Brussels are considering tougher stances to protect domestic industries. However, experts warn that escalating tensions into a full-scale trade war could have detrimental consequences, echoing the challenges faced by the United States under former President Donald Trump’s administration.

In Germany, there is growing consensus among major political parties, including the Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, and Greens, to adopt stricter measures against China. This includes calls for stronger industrial protections and increased economic barriers. Think tanks, business associations, and media commentators have largely aligned with this approach, citing the ongoing struggles of the German industrial sector as justification for a more defensive strategy.

Despite this unity, critics argue that Europe should carefully evaluate the risks of a trade war it may not be equipped to win. Observers point to the U.S.-China trade conflict, which failed to achieve its intended goals and left lasting economic repercussions. European policymakers are being urged to seek balanced solutions that safeguard their industries without resorting to potentially damaging confrontations.