Von der Leyen urges China to help prevent trade escalation amid US tariff plans

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged China to help contain global trade tensions and address structural imbalances in EU-China relations, following a sharp exchange between Beijing and Washington over new U.S. tariff measures.

In a call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, von der Leyen stressed the shared responsibility of Europe and China to uphold “a strong reformed trading system” and to seek “a negotiated resolution” to emerging trade disruptions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

The conversation comes amid rising concerns over a potential global trade war after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping tariff regime earlier this week.

According to an EU readout of the call, von der Leyen emphasized “the need to avoid further escalation” and highlighted China’s “critical role” in preventing trade diversion, particularly in sectors affected by global overcapacity—such as steel, electric vehicles, and solar panels.

She proposed establishing a mechanism for tracking trade diversion and addressing developments in real time, while also pressing for structural changes to rebalance the EU-China trade relationship. This includes ensuring improved market access for European businesses, products, and services in China.

The leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, with von der Leyen reaffirming that “any conditions for peace must be determined by Ukraine.” She invited China to play a more active role in fostering a “meaningful contribution” to the peace process.

The conversation took place as global markets reacted to President Trump’s April 2 announcement of new “reciprocal tariffs.” The policy introduces a baseline 10% tariff on all imports to the U.S. starting April 5, 2025, with additional tariffs targeting countries deemed to have unfair trade practices, including China, set to begin April 9.

By Khagan Isayev