China-EU trade war a ‘lose-lose’ situation, top diplomat Wang Yi warns

Wang meets French diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne for strategic dialogue that could lay groundwork for visit by Emmanuel Macron

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) meets Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French president, in Beijing on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 10:00pm, 15 Dec 2024Updated: 10:08pm, 15 Dec 2024

China’s top diplomat has warned that a trade war between China and the European Union would result in a “lose-lose” situation and urged Beijing and Brussels to continue talks and strengthen their cooperation.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the comments on Saturday while meeting Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron, at the 26th China-France Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

“A trade war will only lead to a ‘lose-lose’ situation,” Wang said. “China is the staunchest defender of the free trade system and opposes the politicisation of economic and trade issues.”

China and the EU remain locked in a feud over trade. Earlier this year, the 27-member bloc slapped tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which Brussels says have unfairly benefited from state subsidies. In return, Beijing has launched investigations into European pork and dairy imports.

Wang urged Brussels to adopt a constructive attitude and find mutually acceptable solutions through dialogues.

He said exchanges between the people of France and China had grown closer and the two countries had voiced their opinions on global challenges, including artificial intelligence, ocean governance and the Middle East.

Wang said he hoped China and France could pursue a positive agenda next year, promote cooperation and explore opportunities in fields such as nuclear energy and aerospace, artificial intelligence, new materials, high-end equipment, environmental protection and healthcare technology.