China's Wang Yi Urges EU to Avoid Trade War as October Deadline Nears

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on China and the European Union to avoid a trade confrontation, saying "a trade war should not be fought between them," according to a Beijing statement issued late Monday, September 21, 2026. Speaking with German counterpart Johann Wadephul, Wang urged Germany to maintain a "rational and pragmatic attitude" and encourage Brussels to pursue open cooperation and dialogue, rather than confrontation. The remarks come as Beijing and Brussels approach an October deadline to resolve trade disagreements. EU leaders are set to meet in mid-October to discuss the bloc's trade deficit with China and potential retaliatory instruments. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the deficit has reached a "tipping point," pledging to use "all the tools at our disposal to rebalance" the relationship. The friction with Europe adds to Beijing's trade tensions with Washington as Xi Jinping heads to the US this week for ceasefire talks with President Donald Trump.