China Urges Free Trade Amid EU Tensions and Summit Preparations

China is calling on major global powers to cultivate a free and facilitative trading environment as two significant summits loom next week, potentially signaling the onset of a trade war with the European Union. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing stressed China's commitment to "steadfastly expanding high-standard opening up" during a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.

The high-level virtual meeting included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, alongside representatives from Brazil, India, Italy, and Japan. This broad participation underscores the international community's engagement with China's trade policies and the potential ramifications of escalating trade tensions.

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foster a free and facilitative trading environment

Zhang's remarks precede critical summits where trade relations between China and the EU are expected to be a central focus. The European Union has been increasingly critical of China's trade practices, including alleged subsidies and market access barriers, raising concerns about fair competition and a potential trade imbalance.

The call for a free trading environment comes amid ongoing discussions about retail sales figures, which have reportedly been flatlining. This economic context adds urgency to the need for stable international trade relations to stimulate growth and prevent further economic slowdowns.

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steadfastly expanding high-standard opening up