EU sends envoy to Beijing amid rising export-related issues

The European Parliament in Strasbourg votes in support of a resolution to toughen up on China with the bloc bracing for a confrontation with Beijing over a trade deficit.

The resolution calls for "economic reciprocity and a proportionate EU response if China does not open its markets."

Politicians and economists across the 27-nation bloc consider China's massive subsidies and exports a major threat to core industrial sectors from steel foundries to car factories.

China diverted many of its exports to the EU and other markets after the US raised tariffs.

The move comes as European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is in Beijing until Friday where he will meet China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

In Beijing, the Foreign Ministry says China believes it is in the common interests of both China and Europe to uphold open cooperation and resolve economic and trade differences through equal dialogue and consultation.