China Vice Minister to visit Brussels for trade talks, mechanism establishment

China's Vice Minister of Commerce, Ling Ji, is set to travel to Brussels for a six-day visit aimed at establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism with the European Union. The trip, scheduled from June 9 to June 14, comes amid escalating trade and economic tensions between Beijing and the EU.

According to the state-run Global Times, China hopes the dialogue mechanism will help resolve ongoing issues. The publication cited a source familiar with the matter, stating that Ling Ji will meet with Ditte Juul Jorgensen, Director-General for Trade and Economic Security at the European Commission, and Bernd Biervert, chief of staff for the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic.

This initiative, as described by the source, "demonstrates China's willingness to properly manage differences through dialogue and consultation." The EU has recently voiced concerns over its substantial trade deficit with China, which reportedly hit 360 billion euros in 2025. Brussels is also focused on strengthening its technological sovereignty and securing supply chains in sensitive sectors, wary of the concentration of capabilities in foreign hands.

Beijing, however, has frequently labeled EU measures as "protectionist" and urged adherence to free trade principles. China has also warned of taking "necessary actions" to defend its interests. The relationship has seen various trade disputes in recent years, including issues related to Chinese electric vehicles, industrial subsidies, public procurement, and anti-dumping investigations.

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This measure demonstrates China's willingness to properly manage differences through dialogue and consultation.