**EU Approves Tariffs on Chinese Imports Amidst Leadership Divide**

Following intense debates and strategic discussions, the European Union has decided to implement duties of up to 35.3% on imports from mainland China. The outcome of the vote clearly demonstrates the divisions within Europe's leadership, a crucial element during the complex negotiations. Despite extensive lobbying from both Beijing and Berlin to oppose the tariffs, only five of the 15 necessary capitals voted against the implementation.

Interestingly, while 12 nations chose to abstain, this stance was interpreted in Brussels as a way of showing tacit, though hesitant, support for the European Commission's recommendations, while avoiding severe backlash from China.

A negative outcome would have significantly undermined the hawkish China strategy spearheaded by Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission's chief, potentially stalling her plans before her second team of commissioners had the chance to take office.