China Urges EU to Avoid Protectionism as Germany Weighs EV Tariffs

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao called on the European Union to keep its markets open to Chinese automakers and avoid protectionism, warning that restrictive measures could fragment global trade. He made the remarks in a Monday statement following a meeting with German Association of the Automotive Industry President Hildegard Müller. The appeal comes as Germany prepares economic-security measures to shield strategic industries from China, potentially including new tariffs on hybrid electric vehicles and stricter export controls. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government is targeting cabinet approval on October 14 before seeking broader EU support. In a separate video call Monday with Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius, Wang said the auto industry is a key area of China-EU cooperation and welcomed European automakers to expand investment in China. EU leaders plan to meet next month to discuss the trade deficit with China, with both sides agreeing to an October deadline for progress on trade disputes.