(VOVworld) - EU member nations agreed to beef up trade rules against cheap imports, including Chinese products on Tuesday as they wage an ongoing battle against China's expanding trade status. After three years of negotiations, the EU member nations voted to give themselves greater leeway in fighting cheap imports of raw materials, a move that is sure to increase tensions with China.

EU member nations agreed to beef up trade rules against cheap imports, including Chinese products on Tuesday (Source: EPA/VNA)

The move, which is considered a major breakthrough, shows that Europe cannot be naive and has to defend its interests, especially in case of dumping, according to Peter Ziga, the Trade Minister of Slovakia, which holds the European Union's six-month rotating presidency.

The vote overrode the opposition of Britain and Sweden, who claim that the measures will hurt the auto sector and open the door to protectionism.