Bangladesh, May 27 -- As debates intensify within the European Union over how to respond to growing economic competition from China, a number of member states have begun advocating tougher trade measures against Chinese imports. A joint policy paper reportedly circulated by Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Lithuania calls for stronger trade defenses, including higher tariffs and more assertive action against what they characterize as unfair Chinese trade practices. Some European leaders have even suggested adopting measures similar to the United States' Section 301 tariffs, raising concerns that Europe could be moving toward a broader economic confrontation with China.

Yet despite growing political pressure, launching a trade ...