EU Calls on China for Negotiated Resolution Amid US Tariff Tensions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the need for stability in global trade during a phone conversation with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, engaged in a telephone discussion with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, urging the importance of avoiding escalation and seeking a negotiated resolution regarding tariffs announced by former US President Donald Trump.
Von der Leyen highlighted the responsibility of both Europe and China, as two of the world’s largest markets, to support a strong and reformed trading system that is free, fair, and based on a level playing field, according to a spokesperson's statement.
During their conversation, the leaders also addressed the establishment of a mechanism to monitor potential trade diversions arising from the tariffs.
Von der Leyen emphasized the critical importance of stability and predictability for the global economy.
Additionally, they discussed cooperation between the EU and China on the international climate agenda and transitioning towards a clean industry.
Former President Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs of 50% on China unless Beijing retracts its retaliatory tariffs on US products.
In response, China has indicated that Washington lacks a genuine willingness to engage in serious dialogue.
This call between Von der Leyen and Li coincides with the official visit to China by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is set to meet both Premier Li and President Xi Jinping.
The European Commission has indicated it is awaiting significant engagement from Washington in negotiation efforts.
The Commission has expressed its readiness to negotiate with the US to increase gas purchases, as confirmed by EU energy spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen.
Olof Gill, a spokesperson for the European Commission, added that Brussels' response to the tariffs is expected to be 'gradual, calm, calibrated, and specific.' He indicated that the Commission plans to present a concrete action plan in the upcoming week, detailing the timeline and consultations with member states and industries before final measures are proposed for member states' voting.
Von der Leyen highlighted the responsibility of both Europe and China, as two of the world’s largest markets, to support a strong and reformed trading system that is free, fair, and based on a level playing field, according to a spokesperson's statement.
During their conversation, the leaders also addressed the establishment of a mechanism to monitor potential trade diversions arising from the tariffs.
Von der Leyen emphasized the critical importance of stability and predictability for the global economy.
Additionally, they discussed cooperation between the EU and China on the international climate agenda and transitioning towards a clean industry.
Former President Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs of 50% on China unless Beijing retracts its retaliatory tariffs on US products.
In response, China has indicated that Washington lacks a genuine willingness to engage in serious dialogue.
This call between Von der Leyen and Li coincides with the official visit to China by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is set to meet both Premier Li and President Xi Jinping.
The European Commission has indicated it is awaiting significant engagement from Washington in negotiation efforts.
The Commission has expressed its readiness to negotiate with the US to increase gas purchases, as confirmed by EU energy spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen.
Olof Gill, a spokesperson for the European Commission, added that Brussels' response to the tariffs is expected to be 'gradual, calm, calibrated, and specific.' He indicated that the Commission plans to present a concrete action plan in the upcoming week, detailing the timeline and consultations with member states and industries before final measures are proposed for member states' voting.
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Translated by AI
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