EU and China Seek Trade Cooperation Amid Tariff Tensions

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and EU leader Ursula von der Leyen met during the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing mutual understanding in trade relations. The discussions come as both economies navigate disputes and external pressures, including new tariffs from Washington.

Von der Leyen highlighted Europe's concerns over export controls, market access, and production capacity—longstanding friction points. The dialogue follows July's EU-China Summit, with both sides agreeing on the need for swift action.

Tensions escalated in 2023 when the EU launched an investigation into China's subsidies for electric vehicle makers, prompting Chinese retaliatory checks on European goods. The specter of a trade war looms, yet Wednesday's talks struck a cautiously optimistic tone.