China has emphasized progress in ongoing trade discussions with the European Union as tensions between the two sides continue to rise over a series of proposed EU trade restrictions. Beijing says it remains committed to dialogue, while Chinese state media have criticized calls from several European countries for tougher measures against China.
Speaking on 11 June, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China and the EU were maintaining communication on relevant dialogues but did not comment on reports that Beijing had cancelled two diplomatic meetings because of worsening trade tensions. He also declined to confirm whether Commerce Minister Wang Wentao would travel to Brussels later this month for planned talks with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.
The comments come as bilateral consultations continue. Vice-Commerce Minister Ling Ji is visiting Brussels from 9 to 14 June to discuss the creation of a trade and investment consultation mechanism. Chinese officials and state media have presented these talks as evidence of Beijing’s preference for resolving disputes through negotiation.
Trade tensions have intensified in recent months as the EU advances measures that China views as targeting its industries. These include proposed restrictions on foreign investment in sectors such as batteries, electric vehicles, solar panels and critical raw materials, as well as cybersecurity rules that could limit the use of equipment from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE in European telecommunications networks.
China has pledged countermeasures against the proposed legislation, raised concerns at the World Trade Organization and rejected EU claims that its daily trade surplus with the bloc is unsustainable. Beijing argues that trade imbalances reflect market competition and comparative advantages rather than unfair practices.
Chinese state media have also highlighted divisions within the EU over relations with China. Reports have portrayed some member states as supporting tougher policies while others seek to avoid a broader confrontation. Media outlets also pointed to business data showing that many European companies continue to maintain or expand operations in China despite political tensions.
The latest exchanges come ahead of key international meetings, including the EU summit on 18-19 June and the G7 summit on 15-17 June. If trade disputes continue to escalate, both sides could face growing pressure to balance economic interests with political concerns, although ongoing consultations suggest dialogue channels remain open.
