China urges ‘constructive dialogue’ with EU in high-level call with France
In a phone call with his French counterpart on Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the European Union to avoid escalating trade disputes and engage in “constructive dialogue”. The conversation, requested by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, comes as Brussels tightens investment screening, public procurement rules and anti-subsidy measures, particularly on electric vehicles over…
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaged in a phone conversation with his French counterpart, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, urging the European Union to steer clear of escalating trade disputes and to instead pursue "constructive dialogue." This dialogue request stemmed from Brussels' tightening of investment screening, procurement rules, and anti-subsidy measures, particularly concerning electric vehicles, which China claims to be unfair competition.
Wang emphasized that China and the EU should uphold their partnership, pursue mutually beneficial cooperation, and resolve economic and trade disputes amicably through dialogue. He cautioned against protectionism, stating that it would not boost Europe's competitiveness but instead lead to higher consumer prices, increased inflation, and hinder the global transition to greener practices.
The call came as France held the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council and ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly's high-level general debate on September 22.
Barrot acknowledged the challenges in EU-China economic and trade relations, expressing France's readiness to facilitate constructive exchanges between the two nations. He reaffirmed France's staunch adherence to the "one-China principle" and urged China to refrain from any official engagement with Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing considers part of China.
Barrot also addressed concerns about Russia's actions in Ukraine and the delicate situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb, calling for continued international cooperation to maintain stability in these regions.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
