European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged China to help find a negotiated solution to the escalating trade tensions sparked by sweeping import tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
During a phone call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday, von der Leyen stressed the shared responsibility of the European Union and China—as two of the world’s largest economies—to uphold a fair, open, and reformed global trading system grounded in equal opportunity.
According to her office, the two leaders discussed the creation of a mechanism to monitor potential trade diversion, as the EU is concerned that China may reroute low-cost exports originally intended for the U.S. to Europe.
President Trump has threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods, further escalating tensions, especially after Beijing responded with its own 34% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports.
In response to Trump’s threats, Chinese officials have remained defiant. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, reiterated that Beijing would not be coerced by Washington’s tactics.
“We’ve said time and again that threatening or pressuring China is not the right approach. China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate interests,” Pengyu stated.