China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Germany to oppose trade protectionism and maintain open markets following talks with German representative Johann Wadephul. While Beijing advocated for dialogue and mutual cooperation to avoid a trade war, Berlin emphasized that stable economic relations require a genuine level playing field and fair competition for European companies. The high-level discussions also touched on global security issues, including Ukraine, Iran, and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The EU has warned China it will deploy aggressive trade defense measures unless Beijing takes immediate action to reduce a record €359.8 billion trade deficit. Ahead of October talks, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič demanded increased purchases of European goods, relaxed market barriers, and fewer controls on critical minerals. If diplomatic efforts fail, Brussels is prepared to deploy over 200 trade tools - including import safeguards and supply-chain diversification rules - though internal EU divisions over potential Chinese retaliation could complicate enforcement.
