Politics · Malaysia Bureau
China calls for balanced trade talks with EU amid deficit row
Beijing is pressing for equal-footing negotiations with the European Union as the two powers work through substantial trade imbalances and other contentious issues. The discussions come after months of talks centred on the EU's significant daily trade deficit with China.
LSN Malaysia ·
China has renewed calls for equitable dialogue with the European Union as negotiations continue over their widening trade relationship. The push for balanced negotiations reflects Beijing's position ahead of fresh rounds of talks with Brussels, which have been ongoing for the past three months.
At the centre of discussions is the EU's substantial daily trade deficit with China, which exceeds €1 billion (US$1.12 billion). The imbalance has emerged as a key sticking point in bilateral relations, with European officials seeking to address what they view as structural trade disadvantages.
Beyond the trade deficit, negotiators from both sides are tackling a range of other outstanding issues that have strained economic ties. The talks represent an effort by both powers to find common ground on matters affecting their increasingly complex commercial relationship.
China's emphasis on equal-footing dialogue suggests Beijing's concern that Brussels may be approaching negotiations from a position of pressure. The call for balanced talks comes as the two economic powers seek to stabilise their relationship amid broader geopolitical tensions and competing interests across multiple sectors.