China warns France, Germany against ‘protectionist’ trade tools
The leaders of France and Germany recently called for a credible EU instrument allowing swift action, including cutting access to the single market if necessary.
On Tuesday, China urged France and Germany to refrain from adopting protectionist trade measures, as their leaders expressed hope for a credible instrument to swiftly address trade tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz penned a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stating that a swift and decisive action mechanism is needed, including the ability to cut off access to the European single market if necessary.
Although Macron and Merz did not directly name China, their letter arrives as EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic prepares to visit Beijing to discuss trade challenges. China's Commerce Ministry responded by calling on France and Germany to maintain open, cooperative, and free trade practices, warning that pursuing the wrong path could ultimately lead to their own consequences.
The EU's primary trade concern is the trade deficit with China, which Brussels claims is harming key European industries. In response, China's foreign ministry emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of the China-EU economic and trade relationship, urging the EU to work with China through dialogue and consultation to maintain global industrial and supply chain stability.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- China warns France, Germany against ‘protectionist’ trade tools freemalaysiatoday.com
