China's economic influence on Europe as a strategic concern (defence24.com)

• ECFR report: China uses indirect economic pressure rather than open coercion.
• Central and Eastern Europe often treats the Chinese threat as secondary.
• Strategic sectors like rare earths and semiconductors are especially vulnerable.

"A new analysis by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) warns that China increasingly uses indirect economic leverage to discourage European governments from introducing tougher trade restrictions. In Central and Eastern Europe, this threat is often still treated as secondary, while Nordic countries, France, and Germany are more alert."