German Chamber of Commerce urges dialogue ahead of EU-China talks

The German Chamber of Commerce in China has called for dialogue and targeted measures in the trade dispute ahead of EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič's visit to China.

Oliver Oehms, executive board member of the chamber in North China, said China should be seen not only as a challenge but also as a partner in talks.

He urged the EU to focus on targeted measures for individual sectors rather than blanket tariffs or broad rules.

Oehms also highlighted the benefits of cooperation, saying German companies were increasingly developing expertise in China that could benefit their headquarters in Germany and strengthen their competitiveness.

Ahead of Šefčovič's visit, the chamber also released findings from its annual business confidence survey.

Some 33% of companies said they expected a significant impact on their China business if EU-China trade talks failed to produce tangible results and tensions escalated, while 47% expected a moderate impact. Another 14% expected no impact.

Šefčovič is expected in Beijing on Thursday and Friday for talks with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

The EU is pressing for a reduction in its trade imbalance with China, while Beijing rejects criticism of its trade surpluses and overcapacity as protectionist.