EU members' China cuddling weakens Brussels' hand

BRUSSELS, Aug 16 (Reuters Breakingviews) – On China, the European Union is trying to square the circle: play a bigger role in the global economy while reducing its dependence on the Asian giant. Security concerns clash with supply-chain needs and national export ambitions, while state-aid spats gum up the works. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will struggle to find a way forward. Von der Leyen on July 31 criticised Beijing for its geopolitical stances, but she needs to keep trade flowing. The EU's heads of state and government want Europe to "de-risk", but not decouple or turn inward….