Many countries are unhappy about the EU’s carbon tax on airlines.

China has now blocked important sales of Airbus aircraft to Chinese companies. Ouch!

But this struck my eye in the BBC report:

Mr Gallois said opposition by Beijing could affect the sales of at least two dozen long-haul A330 planes this year and next.

This appears to be the heaviest weapon yet deployed in the battle between the EU and its opponents over charging airlines for their global warming emissions, says BBC environment correspondent Richard Black.

He says it is surprising because tensions appeared to be decreasing a couple of weeks ago, when countries including China decided not to pursue legal action against the EU, but pursue a negotiated outcome.

Ha ha! This IS the negotiation!

You mess with us. We mess with you.