China’s military holds talks in France and Germany despite rising trade tensions

China's military leadership recently engaged in discussions with counterparts from France and Germany, despite escalating trade disputes between Beijing and the European Union. From October 21 to 28, a delegation from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) traveled to Paris and Berlin to participate in defence strategy consultations.

According to a statement from China's defence ministry, the Chinese delegation held detailed discussions with their French and German counterparts on a range of topics, including bilateral relations, military-to-military cooperation, and regional security concerns. Both sides expressed a commitment to strengthening strategic communication, building mutual trust, and expanding defence exchanges and cooperation.

While the Paris and Berlin governments did not release any public statements regarding the visits, Beijing did not disclose the makeup of its delegation. Defence strategy consultations are a crucial high-level mechanism for the PLA to engage in strategic dialogue, manage risks, and build mutual confidence with foreign armed forces.

The recent talks in Paris and Berlin suggest that despite trade tensions, military dialogue between China and Europe continues to be maintained. In early October, France and Germany jointly proposed a new trade mechanism to prevent European Union market access to countries causing market distortions, an action widely perceived as directed at China.

China's commerce ministry subsequently urged Berlin and Paris to refrain from encouraging the EU to adopt what it deemed protectionist measures. This was the first visit by a PLA defence strategy consultation delegation to Europe since 2023, with previous engagements occurring in Britain and France in June and July 2023. China and France last held a round of defence strategy consultations in Beijing in June 2024, following the establishment of a dialogue and cooperation mechanism between their respective theatre commands.

In 2022, the 16th round of China-France defence strategy consultations was conducted via video link, with then Lieutenant General Shao Yuanming leading the Chinese delegation as the deputy chief of the Central Military Commission's Joint Staff Department. On Tuesday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier commenced a five-day state visit to China, marking his first trip to the country in nearly eight years.