Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing urged the Group of Seven nations to uphold openness and cooperation during a video call chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, reports Manila's Business Times.

Mr. Zhang told the meeting that countries should foster a free and facilitative trading environment and practice true multilateralism, according to Xinhua. The session also included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

France has been pressing to address uneven global growth as part of its G7 presidency. China has faced criticism for its large trade surplus and weak domestic demand. European officials are debating new restrictions to counter Beijing's export surge, prompting threats of retaliation from China.

Mr. Macron framed Mr. Zhang's participation as diplomatic progress, even though he does not usually handle trade matters. The French leader had earlier considered inviting President Xi Jinping to the G7 summit in France this year.

The French president's office said the talks signaled a new willingness by China, the US, and Europe to coordinate economic approaches. Mr. Zhang has previously visited France, including for the Nuclear Energy Summit in March, and typically oversees digitalization and state-owned company management.

Senior Chinese trade negotiators Li Chenggang and Liao Min also joined the call, alongside US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.