The European Union is looking to deepen trade agreements with India and other Asia-Pacific countries as it braces for potential US tariffs under President Donald Trump. EU competition chief Teresa Ribera emphasized the importance of ongoing free-trade talks with India, expected to be completed by year's end.

Speaking from Beijing during climate-focused talks with Chinese officials, Ribera said the EU needs to "explore how far, how deep we can go in the Pacific area with other countries." The bloc is preparing to step up engagement with nations also facing Trump's tariff threats.

However, EU-China relations remain complicated by issues including Chinese industrial overcapacity, market access restrictions, and Beijing's support for Moscow following Ukraine's invasion.