Chinese Premier Li Qiang spoke by phone with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday and urged both sides to maintain free and open trade.
Premier Li said that both China and the EU are advocates of economic globalization and trade liberalization and strong advocates and supporters of the WTO, and that the two sides should strengthen communication and coordination, expand mutual openness, ensure free and open trade and investment, maintain stability and smooth global industrial and supply chains, which would give more stability and certainty to both sides and the world economy.
The Chinese Premier pointed out that the US has recently announced, under various pretexts, the indiscriminate imposition of tariffs on all trading partners, including China and the EU, which is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying.
Li said China has taken decisive measures not only to protect its own sovereignty, security and development interests, but also to defend the rules of international trade and justice.
As this year marks the 50th anniversary of China and the EU establishing diplomatic relations, Li said China is willing to strengthen mutual political trust with the European side, expand practical cooperation, insist on addressing its interests through dialogue and consultation, and promote the continuous development of China-EU relations.
CMG/gnews.cz-jav