China’s Li Qiang calls for ‘rational’ views in talks with EU chief Michel as trade row simmers

Meeting on Asean forum sidelines makes little progress amid fears that intensifying disputes could erupt into trade war

Reading Time:3 minutes

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the 19th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos on Friday. Photo: AP

Published: 8:00pm, 11 Oct 2024Updated: 9:06pm, 11 Oct 2024

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday said China hoped the European Union would “correctly view” its development and adopt “rational” policies towards the Asian giant as a trade row threatens to devolve into a trade war.

In a meeting with European Council President Charles Michel, Li said the international community expected China and the European bloc to push for healthy, stable and sustainable development of ties as the world faced rapid changes.

“China regards Europe as an important direction for China’s diplomacy and an important partner in promoting Chinese-style modernisation,” he was quoted by Chinese state news agency Xinhua as telling Michel.

“It is hoped that EU institutions will correctly view China’s development and formulate an objective and rational policy towards China.”

President of the European Council Charles Michel attends the 19th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos on Friday. Photo: AFP

The face-to-face talks – held on the sidelines of an Asean regional forum in Laos – came just days after China announced anti-dumping measures against European brandy imports. Beijing’s decision followed an EU vote last week to press ahead with hefty tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.