China Presses EU for Trade Talks and Urges France and Germany to Reject Protectionism Over EV Tariffs

China stepped up diplomatic pressure on the European Union on October 6, seeking formal talks to address trade concerns and calling for faster progress on bilateral investment negotiations, with an eye toward a broader future trade deal. Beijing's Ministry of Commerce urged the EU not to politicize trade issues and specifically called on France and Germany, the bloc's two largest economies, not to back EU trade protectionism measures.

The push comes amid a festering dispute over EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. China also separately raised concerns with the United Kingdom over reported potential EV tariffs, broadening the diplomatic effort beyond Brussels. A Reuters Breakingviews commentary published the same day described Chinese EVs as a potent weapon in the ongoing car trade confrontation with Europe, underscoring the economic stakes for both sides.

Beijing's decision to single out France and Germany reflects a strategy of bilateral lobbying to fracture EU unity ahead of any formal trade decisions. By pushing simultaneously for investment talks and a future trade deal, China is signaling it wants to reframe the relationship on broader economic terms rather than allowing it to be defined solely by the tariff dispute.