China–Europe Trade Dialogue Tests Scope for a More Stable Investment Climate

Beijing, 22 September 2026 – China’s foreign minister has called for Beijing and Europe to avoid trade wars and manage differences through dialogue, following a conversation with his German counterpart. Wang Yi spoke with Johann Wadephul on 21 September, according to a Chinese foreign-ministry account. The statement signals a preference for negotiation, but it does not announce a tariff agreement or resolve existing commercial disputes.

Wang described China and the European Union as strategic partners and argued that economic ties should be handled through consultation. He also urged Germany to maintain a pragmatic approach. Those are the Chinese government’s stated positions, not evidence that European institutions or member states have accepted a particular trade outcome. Germany, for its part, stressed the shared interest in a stable global economy and fair rules, including a level playing field.