China Seeks Stronger EU Ties Amid Trade Tensions, U.S. Tariff Pressures

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has called for deeper economic collaboration with France and the EU, framing China as a stable partner during WTO talks in Paris. "Differences in trade are normal," Wang told French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, "but resolution requires equal dialogue." The overture comes as Brussels faces dual pressure—resisting U.S. tariff policies while navigating China's push for medical device market access.

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič held "frank" discussions with Wang, even as the bloc imposed procurement curbs on Chinese medical equipment—a MOVE Beijing decried as protectionist. Meanwhile, U.S.-EU tariff negotiations showed incremental progress but no breakthrough during parallel Paris meetings. The geopolitical jostling underscores how global trade realignments are testing institutional alliances.