Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen talked to Chinese premier Li Qiang regarding “the responsibility of Europe and China … to support a strong reformed trading system” and push for “a negotiated resolution” to current trade troubles.
According to the European Union’s readout said she emphasized “the need to avoid further escalation” following the heated exchange of words between China and the US on potential extra tariffs.
Can EU-China cooperation ease global trade tensions?
European Commission president
“emphasised China’s critical role in addressing possible trade diversion caused by tariffs, especially in sectors already affected by global overcapacity,” the statement stated.
Von der Leyen also talked about the idea of
“setting up a mechanism for tracking possible trade diversion and ensuring any developments are duly addressed,”
And
“recalled the urgency for structural solutions to rebalance the bilateral trade relationship and ensure better access for European businesses, products and services to the Chinese market.”
In conclusion, the two leaders discussed Ukraine, with the commission president
“emphasising that any conditions for peace must be determined by Ukraine,”
As she
“invited China to intensify its efforts to contribute meaningfully to the peace process.”
When did both leaders last engage?
Previously, on January 16, 2024, Chinese Premier Li Qiang of the State Council met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos.
Li Qiang stated that amidst the changes and turmoil of today’s world, the relationship between China and the EU stands out for its stability among major international relations, thanks to the collaborative efforts of both parties.
Li Qiang noted that China stands ready to import more products from the EU that align with market demand, and hopes the EU will relax export restrictions on high-tech products to China.
Ursula von der Leyen expressed that the EU values China’s ongoing and broader outreach to the global community and has no plan to sever ties with China. She expressed her readiness to collaborate with China in enhancing dialogue and communication, intensifying cooperation on issues such as climate change and World Trade Organization reforms, fostering people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and advancing the evolution of EU-China relations.
