Leadership transition hinders EU solar panel talks

China’s leadership transition has stalled talks between the EU and China on a multi-billion dollar solar trade dispute, Reuters reported. Both sides are edging towards enforcing punitive tariffs on each others’ exports, with EU officials accusing China of “stonewalling”. EU leaders want to avoid following the decision from the US to impose duties on Chinese solar power products, given China’s integral role in the bloc’s re-emergence from economic crisis. Dealings are expected to proceed when Xi Jinping takes over the presidency in March at the national congress.