China has urged Germany to support dialogue and free trade as concerns over the EU’s trade imbalance with Beijing grow
China has urged Germany to help prevent a trade war between Beijing and Europe, saying disputes over trade should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a phone call with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, according to China’s foreign ministry. Wang said China and the European Union are “comprehensive strategic partners” and should not fight trade wars.
“China has consistently advocated that both sides move toward each other and find solutions to each other’s concerns through dialogue and consultation,” Wang said, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
The call comes as trade ties between China and the European Union face growing pressure. Germany has been among the EU countries raising concerns about its trade imbalance with China. European officials have also raised concerns about Chinese industrial overcapacity and what they see as an uneven trading environment.
Wang said stronger cooperation between China and Germany would serve the interests of both sides. He urged Germany to take what Beijing described as a rational and pragmatic approach and play a constructive role within the EU.
China also called on Germany to support free trade and oppose protectionism. Beijing has repeatedly argued that trade disputes should be handled through negotiations rather than tariffs and other restrictions.
Germany, however, stressed the need for fair trade rules. Its foreign ministry said the two countries agreed that a stable global economy was in the interests of China, Germany and Europe.
More from Business“Trade relations have to be based on fair rules and a real level playing field,” the German foreign ministry said in a post on X.
The comments highlight the different priorities on both sides. China is pushing for closer economic cooperation and fewer trade barriers. Germany and other EU countries are seeking greater balance in trade relations and a more level playing field for European companies.
The two ministers also discussed Iran, Ukraine and Taiwan during the call.
Wang urged Germany to take concrete steps to maintain China-Germany relations. He also called for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, saying this would help create conditions for high-level exchanges between the two countries.
Taiwan has increased its engagement with European countries in recent months. Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has visited Europe twice in the past year. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung also made a rare visit to Germany in June, although the trip was disclosed only the following month.
Beijing opposes official engagement between Taiwan and other governments because it claims the island as part of China. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
