Archive · 22 Sep 2026
China urges Germany to prevent Europe trade war through dialogue
China and Germany talked by phone about trade and other world issues.
China asked Germany to help avoid a trade war with Europe.
China said disagreements should be solved by talking rather than using tariffs or other restrictions.
Germany said trade must follow fair rules and give companies a level playing field.
European countries are concerned about the trade imbalance with China and Chinese industrial overcapacity.
Both sides said a stable global economy would benefit China, Germany and Europe.
The ministers also discussed Iran, Ukraine and Taiwan.
China wants stability around Taiwan, while Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claim that it is part of China.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Germany to help prevent a trade war between China and Europe.
China called for dialogue, consultation, free trade and opposition to protectionism in resolving disputes with the European Union.
Germany said trade relations must follow fair rules and provide a real level playing field.
The discussion came amid European concerns about trade imbalances, Chinese industrial overcapacity and conditions for European companies.
The ministers also discussed Iran, Ukraine and Taiwan, including stability in the Taiwan Strait.
- Who
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
- What
- They discussed trade tensions between China and the European Union and called for dialogue, while Germany emphasized fair trade rules.
- When
- During a phone call described in the report; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- In a phone call between Chinese and German officials; no physical location was specified.
- Why
- China wants to prevent a trade war and strengthen China-Germany relations, while Germany and other European Union countries seek balanced trade and a level playing field.
China’s Position
Germany and European Union Concerns
How to resolve trade disputes
China’s Position
China says disputes should be handled through dialogue and consultation, with fewer trade barriers and opposition to protectionism.
Germany and European Union Concerns
Germany says trade relations must follow fair rules and provide a real level playing field for European companies.
China-Europe economic relationship
China’s Position
China describes China and the European Union as comprehensive strategic partners and says stronger cooperation serves both sides.
Germany and European Union Concerns
Germany and other European Union countries are seeking greater balance because of trade imbalances, Chinese industrial overcapacity and an uneven trading environment.
Taiwan engagement
China’s Position
China opposes official engagement between Taiwan and other governments and calls for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Germany and European Union Concerns
Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, while Taiwanese officials have increased engagement with European countries.
- Main appeal
- China urged Germany to support dialogue, free trade and opposition to protectionism.
- Trade concern
- European countries have raised concerns about the trade imbalance with China.
- European concern
- Officials have also cited Chinese industrial overcapacity and an uneven trading environment.
- Germany’s position
- Trade relations should be based on fair rules and a real level playing field.
- Shared interest
- China and Germany agreed that a stable global economy benefits China, Germany and Europe.
- Other topics
- The ministers discussed Iran, Ukraine and Taiwan.
- Taiwan issue
- Wang called for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait; Beijing opposes official engagement between Taiwan and other governments.