Middle Eastern media: China and the EU confirm cooperation to deal with Trump's tariffs

Chinese Premier and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of cooperation during their meeting in New York, as the world's second- and third-largest economies try to cope with the pressure from US President Trump's tariffs and ease trade tensions.

After Wednesday's meeting, von der Leyen stated on her account on the social platform X that she discussed trade issues with the Chinese Premier during a break in the United Nations General Assembly meetings, and emphasized that she "appreciates China's willingness to engage with us in the spirit of mutual understanding."

She added, "Europe has clearly expressed its concerns about export controls, difficulties in market access, and overcapacity."

According to Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency, she also said that strengthening dialogue and understanding, deepening mutual trust between the EU and China, as the two largest economies in the world, is crucial for both sides and global development.

Over the past two years, China and the EU have been on the brink of a trade war. Analysts believe this stems from the European Commission's decision in 2023 to launch an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese-made electric vehicles, which triggered investigations into European brandy, dairy products, pork, and other goods.

But with Trump's trade policies putting pressure on exports from China and Europe, both sides have sufficient reasons to seek reconciliation.

"Now is the time for diplomacy"

According to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday, the Chinese Premier expressed hope that China and the EU could "keep the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations" and added that he "hopes the EU will continue to maintain an open trade and investment market."

The Chinese official also said he hopes the EU "adheres to fair competition and World Trade Organization rules, avoiding politicizing economic and trade issues or excessively expanding the concept of security."

The statement added, "As major powers on the international stage, China and the EU should demonstrate a certain sense of responsibility and maintain their strategic independence."

Diplomats say that China has taken a more central position in Europe's strategy regarding the Ukraine war, with many believing that compared to Trump's unpredictable foreign policy, China's influence over Russia and its economic importance to Russia provide a more realistic path to peace.

Ursula von der Leyen stated that she has asked "China to use its influence to stop the bloodshed and encourage Russia to return to the negotiating table."

The statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not mention the conflict taking place at the European border.

Von der Leyen concluded, "Now is the time for diplomacy. Such actions will send a strong signal to the world."

Related data

Bloomberg cited data from the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Germany and Rödl & Partner, which showed that in 2024, China's investments in Europe increased again to about 10 billion euros (11.73 billion USD) after seven consecutive years of decline.

According to Xinhua, in the first few months of this year, the total foreign trade volume between China and the EU increased by 1.4% to 1.3 trillion yuan (182 billion USD).

China's Foreign Minister said in March this year that over the past 50 years, Sino-European trade has expanded from 2.4 billion USD to 780 billion USD now.

Sources: Al Jazeera Plus News Agency

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844281397545227/

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