China Courts EU Cooperation Amid Trade Tensions
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged closer cooperation with the European Union, framing China as a partner rather than a rival as the two sides navigate increasing trade disputes and geopolitical concerns. The call for collaboration came during the Munich Security Conference, where Wang met with European counterparts on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
According to a report from China’s state news agency Xinhua, Wang Yi emphasized the require to resolve differences and deepen practical cooperation to address global challenges. This message arrives as both China and the EU grapple with economic headwinds and strategic competition. The move underscores China’s attempt to stabilize relations with a key trading partner.
The appeal for partnership follows recent trade friction, including China’s imposition of tariffs on a range of EU dairy products – up to 11.7% – impacting German producers, as reported by Zeit Online. These tariffs are a retaliatory measure against EU duties imposed on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024. Both sides accuse each other of distorting the market through subsidies and unfair trade practices.
During meetings with German and French officials, Wang Yi reportedly stated that Europe’s challenges do not originate from China, and that mutual interdependence does not pose a risk. This statement attempts to counter growing concerns within Europe about over-reliance on the Chinese economy. The German government announced in November 2025 that it would review its economic relationship with China.
Still, a separate diplomatic dynamic is unfolding in Brussels, revealing underlying issues in the EU-China relationship. Sources indicate a deliberate slowing of high-level appointments with Chinese diplomats, mirroring the limited access EU diplomats receive in Beijing, as detailed in a report by the South China Morning Post.
EU Ambassador to China, Jorge Toledo, has reportedly faced difficulty securing meetings with relevant Chinese ministries. Toledo, a vocal critic of China’s industrial overcapacity and its ties with Russia, has experienced a degree of diplomatic isolation similar to that faced by his predecessor, Nicolas Chapuis.
The Munich Security Conference is expected to provide a venue for high-level EU-China talks, with Wang Yi scheduled to deliver a speech on Saturday. The conference, which runs from February 13-15, 2026, is bringing together global leaders to discuss pressing international issues. As noted by Focus Online, China is set to play a central role at the conference, presenting its narrative and engaging with European leaders. U.S. Officials, including Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, are also attending and are expected to take a firmer stance towards China.
