China calls on the EU to uphold free trade principles amid rising trade tensions, emphasizing mutual benefits and the importance of dialogue.
China is closely monitoring the European Union's trade stance and has called on Brussels to adhere to free trade, fair competition, and open cooperation, reported Beijing's Global Times.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that China-EU economic relations are mutually beneficial and that China has never deliberately sought a trade surplus. Ms. Mao added that Beijing is ready for dialogue and hopes the EU refrains from protectionist measures.
Official data showed that the EU remained China's second-largest trade partner in the first 11 months of the year, with imports from the bloc rising five percent. Bilateral trade fell 2.2 percent year-on-year to CNY5.03 trillion (US$707 billion), while China's trade surplus with the EU dropped 16.7 percent to CNY1.41 trillion.
Analysts noted that these figures highlight the importance of the Chinese market for Europe. Zhang Jian of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations dismissed EU concerns over trade imbalance, citing export controls on high-tech goods and rising European costs as key factors.
Yang Chengyu of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences remarked that bilateral cooperation remains stable, with high-level talks in areas such as the green and digital economies. He added that China's imports of European products demonstrate its commitment to opening up.
The 24th China-EU Summit was held in Beijing, marking the first in-person meeting in four years. European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU values its ties with China and does not intend to decouple.
Experts urged Brussels to strengthen strategic autonomy and deepen cooperation with China in sectors including electric vehicles, photovoltaics, and new energy. They emphasized that China's strengths could aid Europe's green transition and digital economy development.
Commerce ministry spokesman He Yadong criticized the EU's anti-subsidy probe into Chinese new-energy vehicles, warning that it would harm both sides' auto industries. Mr. He expressed that China hopes the EU abandons protectionist acts and supports cooperation to tackle climate change and facilitate the green transition.
