The EU does have significant economic ties with China, particularly in trade and investment. However, whether this constitutes "too much" dependence is a matter of interpretation and debate.
Some argue that the EU should diversify its economic relationships to reduce reliance on any one country, while others believe that engagement with China is necessary and beneficial for both sides. Ultimately, the degree of dependence on China depends on various factors, including the specific industries and countries involved, and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
The EU does import some critical metals from China, such as rare earth elements, which are utilized in a variety of applications, including electronics, clean energy, and defense. However, the EU has been taking steps to diversify its sources of these critical metals, such as through increasing recycling and supporting domestic production. In the long term, the EU could reduce its dependence on Chinese metal exports through these efforts, but it would likely require significant strategic planning and investment. Additionally, it may also depend on China's role in the global market for these metals and the availability of alternative sources.