On Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang held a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging both sides to maintain free and open trade.

Premier Li stated that both China and the EU are proponents of economic globalization and the liberalization of trade, and staunch defenders and supporters of the WTO. He emphasized that both sides should strengthen communication and coordination, expand mutual openness, ensure free and open trade and investment, maintain the stability and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, which would bring more stability and certainty to both sides and the global economy.

The Chinese Premier pointed out that the United States has recently announced the imposition of tariffs on all trading partners, including China and the EU, under various pretexts, which is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying.

Li stated that China has taken resolute measures not only to protect its own sovereignty, security, and development interests, but also to defend the rules of international trade and fairness.

Given that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, Li said that China is willing to strengthen mutual political trust with the European side, expand practical cooperation, adhere to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, and promote the continued development of relations between China and the EU.

CMG/gnews.cz-jav