China and EU Forge Alliance Against U.S. Trade Protectionism

China invites the EU to collaborate against U.S. trade tariffs, signaling a need for strengthened ties amid rising protectionism. Vice Premier He Lifeng and EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic discuss mutual interests in maintaining global trade systems while addressing economic concerns between China and the EU.

China has extended an invitation to the European Union to unify efforts against U.S. trade protectionism, aiming to bolster the multilateral trading system. This proposal was made by Vice Premier He Lifeng to Maros Sefcovic, the EU Commissioner for Trade, during their meeting in Beijing as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

The Trump administration's tariff policies have strained relationships between the U.S., China, and the EU. The recent imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports and potential tariffs on imported vehicles from Europe, particularly affecting German auto manufacturers, has prompted discussions on strengthening Sino-European cooperation.

Despite shared interests, the EU is wary of its economic engagements with China, its second-largest trading partner, citing concerns over market accessibility and data transfer issues. Efforts to rebalance trade relations and address these differences are ongoing, though specific steps have not been disclosed by China.

(With inputs from agencies.)