Europe hits China with new trade salvo before landmark Xi visit

LONDON - The European Union launched an investigation into China's medical device market, the latest in a spate of actions that are raising tension ahead of President Xi Jinping's first visit to the bloc in five years. The probe was formally announced on April 24 and will seek to address concerns that China unfairly favours domestic suppliers. The EU already has an inquiry into Chinese government backing for electric car manufacturers, which could lead to new tariffs, and it is scrutinising other industries such as wind energy, solar and railways. EU relations with Beijing have been deteriorating over the past…