China warns EU against hardline trade stance as Brussels unveils 'kill switch'

Beijing cautioned Brussels that a hardline approach will not force concessions, following the EU's confirmation of a new 'kill switch' mechanism to expel China from the single market. This escalation comes a week after a surprise deal limiting Chinese hybrid car exports to Europe, indicating the trade war threat between the two economies remains unresolved. The 'kill switch' represents a significant new tool in EU trade defense, potentially enabling rapid market exclusion.