Chinese foreign minister urges Europe to avoid trade wars and uphold free trade

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his German counterpart Johann Wadephul that China and Europe should avoid a trade war, emphasizing that the two regions are “comprehensive strategic partners.” The remarks were made during a telephone conversation, according to a statement released by China’s foreign ministry on 21 September.

Wang said that strengthening mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation aligns with the interests of both sides and represents “the right choice.” He added that China has consistently advocated for dialogue and consultation to address each other’s concerns, urging both parties to move toward each other in search of solutions.

Germany has been one of the leading voices in the European Union raising concerns about what it describes as unbalanced trade with China, citing issues such as industrial overcapacity and an undervalued Chinese currency. In response, Wang expressed hope that Germany would maintain a rational and pragmatic approach and play a positive role within the EU, promoting free trade and rejecting protectionism.

The German foreign ministry echoed the call for stability, stating that a stable global economy serves the interests of China, Germany and Europe. It also emphasized that trade relations must be based on fair rules and a genuine level playing field, posting the comment on the social media platform X.

Both ministers agreed that continued dialogue and cooperation are essential to prevent escalation and to support a stable, rules‑based international trading system. The conversation reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage trade tensions while preserving broader strategic ties between China and the European Union.