Belgium’s foreign minister Maxime Prevot has called on the European Union to adopt a stronger, more unified approach toward China to protect key European industries from growing competitive pressure.

Axar.az reports, citing Politico, after a visit to China, Prevot said the EU should prioritize sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metals, automotive production and critical minerals, warning that European industry is increasingly exposed to Chinese overcapacity.

“We need to prioritize the sectors where we can act quickly and effectively,” he said, adding that the bloc may need to accept short-term retaliation to secure long-term stability.

He also warned that without coordination, EU countries risk acting in isolation. “If we cannot be an ox, we will remain a coalition of frogs,” he said.

EU leaders are expected to discuss China policy at upcoming meetings later this month.