Merz, Macron Press EU to Address China Trade Imbalance

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Bloomberg and AFP, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron said the European Union must address its widening trade imbalance with China, while Merz also said he does not want a new conflict with Beijing. Speaking to reporters on Friday, July 17, in Bruehl near Cologne, Merz said the imbalance is hurting European industry and is not in China’s interest either, adding that Europe and China are interdependent. Macron said France and Germany have “never been this aligned” on relations with China, and said he and Merz plan to agree on a new China roadmap by September. He also said EU leaders are expected to discuss ties with Beijing at an October meeting, and described China’s trade tactics as “aggressive,” saying Europe faces a trade war.