China rejects trade criticism after Merz backs global yuan action

China pushed back against criticism of its trade practices on Monday, after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz became the latest world leader to voice complaints over rising trade imbalances. “China never actively pursues a trade surplus,” Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang said at the opening of a supply-chain expo in Beijing. “The greatest obstacle to China increasing its imports does not lie within itself, but rather with certain countries that abuse export controls.” Merz on Friday called for stronger global action on the yuan, adding to pressure on Beijing over its trade policies.