European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged China to negotiate a resolution to the escalating trade tensions caused by U.S. tariffs. In a call with Premier Li Qiang, she highlighted the importance of fair trade, as both sides discuss potential risks and counter-tariffs.
Both leaders discussed the potential risks of trade diversion, with the EU concerned that China could redirect inexpensive U.S. exports to European markets.
In response, Premier Li called for increased communication between both sides to ensure trade remains open and fair. He reiterated China's stance on resolving issues through dialogue and consultation, rejecting Trump’s tariffs as "blackmail."
This conversation comes at a time when Trump has threatened further tariff increases, with proposed hikes on Chinese goods reaching 100%.
In retaliation, the European Union has suggested its own counter-tariffs, as the ongoing tariff dispute continues to unsettle global markets, with many fearing the economic repercussions of an escalating trade war.
Read next
18:30
Defence pact
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
17:00
Apple and Meta have been fined €500 million and €200 million respectively by the European Union for breaching the bloc’s new Digital Markets Act, escalating tensions in the transatlantic tech trade dispute.
12:31
EU - Hungary
Hungary’s persistent attempts to undermine EU efforts in support of Ukraine have pushed member states to seriously consider invoking Article 7 of the EU treaty — the bloc’s most severe disciplinary tool, which could strip Budapest of its voting rights, The Guardian reports.
05:50
Talks in Paris between U.S. officials and European leaders have kickstarted a new diplomatic format aimed at shaping Ukraine's post-war future, with the involvement of Europe’s three most powerful countries.
20:30
Greece
Greece has submitted its long-awaited maritime spatial plan to the European Union, outlining how it will organize various maritime activities such as fishing, tourism, offshore energy, and more.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment