China and the EU called on to deepen cooperation and advocate for economic globalization and trade liberalization during a phone conversation between Premier Li Qiang and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 8th that China is ready to work with the European side to promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.
Li pointed out that the United States has recently announced indiscriminate tariffs on all its trading partners, including China and the EU, under various pretexts, which is a typical case of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying.
Call for Closer China-EU Cooperation
China and the EU, as strong advocates of economic globalization and trade liberalization, as well as staunch defenders and supporters of the WTO, should enhance communication and coordination, expand mutual openness, jointly safeguard free and open trade and investment, and maintain the stable and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, He said.
He added that China will continue to unswervingly expand opening-up, strengthen cooperation, and share development opportunities with the EU countries and other countries in the world.
Von der Leyen said that the EU has always attached great importance to its relations with China.
It is crucial for Europe and China to maintain continuity and stability amid the current situation, she said.
The EU is looking forward to holding a new round of meetings between European and Chinese leaders at an appropriate time and to jointly celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China, von der Leyen added.
She warned that the imposition of additional U.S. tariffs has seriously impacted international trade, sparking serious repercussions on Europe, China and vulnerable countries.
Von der Leyen called on Europe and China to be committed to safeguarding a fair and free multilateral trading system centered on the WTO, and to maintaining the healthy and stable development of global economic and trade relations, which is in the common interest of both sides and the world.
Trade War Shakes Global Investment
In response to Donald Trump’s threat to impose further tariffs on Chinese goods—potentially raising rates by 50%—experts expressed their views.
They argued that if tariffs rise to 54%, product prices would double and profits would vanish for both Chinese and U.S. companies. With most bilateral trade already stalled, increasing tariffs to 104% would have little additional impact. They called Trump’s threats “meaningless,” noting that China is prepared with countermeasures and retains strong bargaining power.
Experts further stated that Trump’s aggressive trade policies, aimed at forcing manufacturing back to the U.S., have disrupted global investment. The trade war has caused significant turbulence in international capital markets, including within the United States itself.
Addiotional reporting from Xinhua, CGTN, CNA.
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