Europe is strategically positioning itself in the global green hydrogen market to prevent China from dominating yet another clean tech sector. While China's economies of scale and subsidies previously impacted European solar panel manufacturers, EU businesses now fear a similar fate with hydrogen. As the EU aims for net zero emissions by 2050, partnerships with Japan are crucial for building a competitive hydrogen industry. Recent deals between EU and Japan focus on setting joint standards and sharing expertise on electrolyzers and hydrogen transportation. However, the battleground has shifted to electrolyzer production, with European concerns over Chinese electrolyzer quality, efficiency, safety, and cybersecurity. European activists caution against hyping hydrogen as a universal climate crisis solution, emphasizing its selective use in sectors where direct electrification is challenging. This evolving landscape highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and stringent standards in shaping the future of green hydrogen.