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Steinmeier Warns China Against One-Sided Trade Dependence

German president urges China to avoid creating dependency in other markets during speech in Beijing.

New York Editorial News Desk October 29, 2026 1 min read

The Brief

  • Steinmeier criticizes China's pursuit of economic self-sufficiency leading to market dependence.
  • EU warns trade deficit with China is unsustainable and may take action to address it.
  • Germany and France propose EU measures against countries harming its interests, with China likely targeted.

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned China against creating one-sided dependence in other markets during a speech in Beijing on October 29.

Steinmeier expressed concerns over the trade imbalance between China and Europe, noting that China’s economic independence should not lead to other nations becoming dependent on China.

The European Union has labeled its growing trade deficit with China as unsustainable and warned it will take all necessary steps to resolve the issue.

Germany, alongside France, has suggested the EU implement a new rapid-response measure against countries that negatively impact its economy, with China expected to be a focus.

Stein, the German president, highlighted that European companies face limited access to the Chinese market, while European markets are flooded with state-subsidized Chinese imports and face restrictions on raw material exports from Beijing.

He emphasized Europe’s commitment to maintaining its industrial base and expressed confidence that dialogue between Brussels and Beijing could lead to solutions.

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