Escalating Trade Tensions Between EU and China: Possible Trade War Looms

China's commerce ministry has warned that the European Union's recent actions could escalate trade friction into a trade war. Despite China's calls for dialogue, the EU proposed significant tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck is set to discuss the issue during his visit to Beijing.

China's commerce ministry said on Friday the European Union has continued to escalate trade friction, which "may trigger a "trade war".

"Responsibility lies entirely with the EU side," a ministry spokesperson said in a statement. China hopes the EU will meet it halfway, handle difference through dialogue and avoid escalating trade friction or allowing it to get out of control, the spokesperson said.

Last week, the European Commission proposed tariffs of up to 38.1% on electric vehicle imports from China despite Beijing's protest, plunging trade ties to a new low and risking punitive action from the world's second-largest economy. The commerce ministry statement was published about an hour before the arrival of German Economy Minister Robert Habeck in Beijing, where he is expected to explain to Chinese officials the recent tariff announcement while allaying the risk of retaliation from China that could harm German businesses.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)