Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed cautious optimism following his recent visit to China, believing that the trade conflicts between Europe and China can be resolved through ongoing dialogue. Speaking in the “Report from Berlin” by the ARD-Hauptstadtstudio, Steinmeier reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged Europe’s concerns regarding existing trade imbalances and voiced support for further discussions with the European Union. He stressed that Europe has no interest in initiating a trade war, insisting instead that solutions must be sought through dialogue.
Separately, Steinmeier dismissed reports suggesting that negotiations might be underway between China, Russia, and the United States concerning Ukraine. After his meeting with Xi Jinping, he clarified that the Chinese president indicated no relevant preparations exist for such talks, adding that Europe must be included in any potential peace resolution. While a discussion between the US, Russia, and China is expected to take place on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Shenzhen, Steinmeier cautioned that this meeting would not focus on the situation in Ukraine.
