China's Wang Yi urges EU to avoid trade war as October deadline nears

September 22, 2026 at 06:05 AM1 min

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the European Union to avoid a trade war, saying the two sides are comprehensive strategic partners. His remarks came in a call with German counterpart Johann Wadephul as an October deadline to resolve trade differences approaches.

Key Facts

Wang Yi said China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners and a trade war should not be fought between them.
Beijing and Brussels earlier agreed to set an October deadline to make progress on trade disagreements.
EU leaders are set to meet in mid-October to discuss the trade deficit with China and possible new instruments to strike back against Beijing's trade practices.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the bloc's trade deficit with China has reached a tipping point and said the EU will use all tools at its disposal to rebalance the relationship.

Diplomatic Appeal

Wang Yi made the remarks in a call with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, according to a statement from Beijing late Monday. Wang said he hoped Germany would maintain a rational and pragmatic attitude and encourage Brussels to stay on the right track of open cooperation, dialogue and consultation. The comments underscore mounting concern that China and Europe are heading toward a clash.

Trade Tensions

EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic held a call with Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao earlier this month to discuss export management, European market access and rare earth export controls. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in her state of the union address that the bloc's trade deficit with China has reached a tipping point. She added that the EU will use all tools at its disposal to rebalance the relationship.