INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday held a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging the two sides
to maintain free and open trade.Noting both China and the EU are advocates of economic globalization and trade liberalization, and staunch
defenders and supporters of the WTO, Premier Li said the two sides should strengthen communication and coordination, expand mutual openness,
safeguard free and open trade and investment, maintain the stability and smooth flow of the global industrial and supply chains, injecting
more stability and certainty into both sides' and the world economy.The Chinese premier pointed out that recently, the United States , under
various pretexts, has announced the indiscriminate imposition of tariffs on all trade partners, including China and the EU & a typical act
of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying
Li said that China has taken resolute measures not only to safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests, but also to
defend the rules of international trade and justice.As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
between China and the EU, Li said China is willing to enhance political mutual trust with the European side, expand practical cooperation,
insist on resolving their respective concerns through dialogue and consultation, and promote the continuous development of China-EU
He called for promoting the holding of a new round of China-EU high-level dialogue in the strategic, economic and trade, green, and
digital sectors as soon as possible.Li also voiced China's confidence in maintaining the sustained and healthy development of its economy,
saying China's macro policies this year have fully taken into account various uncertainties, and the country also has sufficient reserve
policy tools, which are fully capable of hedging against unfavorable external influences.China will continue to unswervingly expand its
opening up, strengthen cooperation with the rest of the world and share development opportunities, he added.Von der Leyen said that the EU
has always attached great importance to its relations with China.It is crucial for Europe and China to maintain continuity and stability
amid current situation, she said.The EU is looking forward to holding a new round of meetings between European and Chinese leaders at an
appropriate time and to jointly celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China, von
der Leyen added.She warned that the imposition of additional United States tariffs has seriously impacted international trade, sparking
serious repercussions on Europe, China and vulnerable countries
Von der Leyen called on Europe and China to be committed to safeguarding a fair and free multilateral trading system centered on the WTO,
and to maintaining the healthy and stable development of global economic and trade relations, which is in the common interest of both sides
