Germany-France Joint Call for EU Trade Defences Against China

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## Overview Germany and France, the EU's two largest economies, jointly called for tougher EU trade defences against China, issuing an open letter ahead of "crunch talks" between European and Chinese negotiators (SCMP, October 6). The letter was signed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron (SCMP, October 6). ## Key Details - The leaders warned that "the open and rules-based trade system is massively affected by weaponisation of trade, systemic market-distorting practices, and global macroeconomic imbalances" (SCMP, October 6). - The statement calls for "urgent" action, though specific policy measures were not detailed in initial reporting. - This follows a pattern of EU states raising concerns about Chinese industrial overcapacity and trade practices, amid a broader backdrop of EU-China trade tensions and potential tariff escalation. ## Why It Matters This marks a significant alignment between the EU's two largest economies on China trade policy, strengthening the bloc's negotiating position ahead of talks with Beijing. It builds on existing tensions around EV tariffs, industrial overcapacity ('China Shock 2.0'), and broader US-EU-China trade dynamics. Likely to develop through EU Commission trade policy responses, Chinese countermeasures, and further France-Germany coordination. ## Entities Involved - Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor - Emmanuel Macron, French President - European Union - China