Germany, France demand tougher EU trade defenses against China

Germany and France, the European Union's two largest economies, jointly called for stronger EU trade protections. The move comes as European and Chinese negotiators prepare for critical talks this week. A potential trade war looms over the discussions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron made the call in an open letter. They warned that the global trade system faces serious threats. These include the "weaponisation of trade," market-distorting practices, and global economic imbalances. "We need urgent..." the leaders wrote, signaling that current measures are not enough.