China urges Germany to avert EU trade war ahead of Xi-Trump summit

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called German counterpart Johann Wadephul, urging Berlin to steer the EU away from protectionist measures and avoid a trade war, framing China-EU relations as strategic partnership. The call comes days before Xi Jinping's US visit, suggesting Beijing is seeking to reduce trade pressure on multiple fronts. The outcome is uncertain, as Germany's influence over EU trade policy is limited, and the EU's stance remains unclear.