Beijing: China has urged Germany and the European Union to take an objective and rational approach to trade and supply chain issues, as European leaders seek to expand economic partnerships and reduce their dependence on individual suppliers. The appeal comes amid growing differences between Beijing and Brussels over market access, industrial competition and trade imbalances.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks on Wednesday during a regular press briefing in Beijing. He said China remained committed to maintaining the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains and called on Germany and the EU to resolve their differences with China through dialogue and consultation.
The statement followed remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who called for closer trade cooperation between Europe and Asian economies. Merz has argued that Europe should strengthen its economic partnerships while reducing excessive dependence on individual countries for essential supplies, technology and industrial products.
The exchange reflects the challenges facing European governments as they seek to protect domestic industries and secure critical supplies without weakening their economic relationship with China.
Merz outlined his proposal on Tuesday, October 27, during a visit to Singapore. He called for a wider trade arrangement between the European Union and members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership, known as the CPTPP.
The partnership includes 12 economies, including Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore. Merz said the EU and these countries together accounted for more than one third of global trade.
His proposal is part of Germany's wider effort to strengthen economic relations with Asian countries and create more opportunities for European businesses. It also reflects growing concerns within Europe about the risks of relying too heavily on a limited number of suppliers.
However, Merz has made clear that he does not support a complete economic separation from China. He has argued that ending economic ties would not make Europe safer or more prosperous. Instead, he has called for a more balanced trading relationship that provides fairer market access and addresses concerns about industrial competition.
China has repeatedly warned against protectionism and trade restrictions that could disrupt international supply chains. Beijing maintains that economic differences should be resolved through dialogue and cooperation rather than measures that could create further tensions.
The latest exchange comes amid growing European concerns over the trade imbalance with China. According to European Commission figures, the EU recorded a goods trade deficit of 359.9 billion euros with China in 2025, compared with 312.2 billion euros in 2024.
The deficit reflects the difference between the value of goods imported from China and those exported to the country. European officials have expressed concerns about unequal market access, competition from Chinese manufacturers and the impact of China's industrial policies on European businesses.
The EU has been seeking to address these concerns through negotiations while considering additional safeguards for industries facing strong competition from Chinese imports.
On October 23, European trade ministers called for further discussions with Beijing to address trade concerns. European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič indicated that an investigation into possible safeguards for plastics could be considered if the necessary conditions were met.
The proposed measures are part of a wider European debate over how to protect domestic industries while maintaining international trade. No final decision on the additional safeguards discussed at that meeting had been announced.
Despite these differences, China and the EU have continued diplomatic and economic discussions. On October 8 and 9, Šefčovič met Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Beijing for the second meeting of the EU China Trade and Investment Consultations.
The discussions covered market access, trade imbalances and concerns affecting several industries. Both sides agreed to continue addressing their differences through dialogue, including within the framework of World Trade Organization rules.
Supply chain security has also become an important issue for European governments. China plays a major role in the processing and production of critical materials used in manufacturing, electric vehicles and advanced technologies. European leaders are seeking to develop alternative sources to reduce the risk of disruptions affecting important industries.
However, reducing dependence on established suppliers will require significant investment, new manufacturing facilities and stronger international partnerships. European governments must also consider the economic consequences of changing supply chains that have developed over many years.
For Germany, the issue is particularly important because of its strong manufacturing sector and longstanding economic ties with China. German companies depend on international markets for exports, raw materials and industrial components, making stable trade relations an important economic priority.
China's latest statement does not announce a new trade agreement or any change to its existing trade policies. Instead, it reinforces Beijing's position that disagreements with Germany and the EU should be addressed through consultation rather than actions that could increase economic tensions.
At the same time, Germany and the wider EU continue to pursue a policy of maintaining economic cooperation with China while reducing strategic dependence and addressing concerns about unfair competition.
The coming months could determine whether the two sides make progress on market access, industrial competition and supply chain security. For both China and Europe, the challenge will be to manage their differences while preserving trade relationships that remain important to their economies.