Europe Hits China With Medical Devices Probe Before Xi Visit (1)

The European Union launched an investigation into China’s procurement of medical devices, 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 Wednesday morning Beijing time and will seek to address concerns that China unfairly favors domestic suppliers. The EU already has an inquiry into Chinese government backing for electric-car manufacturers that could lead to new tariffs, and it’s scrutinizing other industries like wind energy, solar and railways.

EU relations with Beijing have been deteriorating over the past year and ...