4 Hot Agendas Behind the EU-China Meeting: Tug of War on Tariffs, Soybeans, & Trade Diplomacy!

Jakarta, Pintu News – Amid trade pressure from the Trump administration, top officials from China and the European Union (EU) met in New York at a UN forum to discuss a joint solution. Against the backdrop of looming US tariffs on both sides’ exports, the meeting was a strong signal that the two giant economies are trying to ease tensions, especially over electric vehicles and agriculture.

1. China and EU Agree to Enhance Trade Cooperation

In a meeting that took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Quoted from Cryptopolitan (September 26, 2025), both agreed on the importance of cooperation amid global pressure for free trade.

Von der Leyen said that the EU still has concerns over export controls, market access, and excess production capacity in China. However, she emphasized that the spirit of mutual understanding remains the foundation of their bilateral trade relationship.

China, through its foreign ministry, expressed hope that the EU will uphold the principles of open trade and equal investment, given their role as “two important poles in the global economy.”

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2. EV tariff tug-of-war triggers tensions since 2023

Trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels are not new. As early as 2023, the European Union began investigating alleged unfair subsidies on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). China responded by investigating European exports of brandy, pork and dairy products.

This situation almost triggered a two-way trade war. However, new tariff pressures from the US made both sides reconsider their positions. Brussels and Beijing are now compelled to find a joint solution to balance external pressures without exacerbating internal conflicts.

3. China Halts US Soybean Purchases: Tariff Bargaining Signal?

One of the most glaring issues in China’s statement was soybeans. According to a report by Cryptopolitan, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said that the country will not buy soybeans from America if “unreasonable tariffs” are not removed first.

China, the world’s largest importer of soybeans, has stopped ordering from the US and switched to South American countries. As a result, US farmers risk losing billions of dollars from exports that are held back by geopolitical tensions.

This week, China’s senior trade official Li Chenggang even held a meeting with officials and businesses from the US Midwest – a major soybean production region – to explore limited buying opportunities before major trade talks are held.

4. Geopolitical Dimensions: China’s Role in Ukraine War Under the Spotlight

In addition to trade issues, the meeting also included hopes from the EU that China would use its influence over Russia to promote peace in Ukraine. Ursula von der Leyen directly asked China to “stop the bloodshed and encourage peaceful dialog.”

However, the official statement from China’s Foreign Ministry did not mention the Ukraine conflict explicitly. Diplomats say that China’s neutral position, plus its role as Russia’s main trading partner, makes it an important element in European geopolitical dynamics.

Conclusion

The bilateral meeting between top officials of China and the European Union is a crucial point in the effort to avoid escalation of trade conflicts, amid aggressive tariff policies from the US. With a pragmatic approach and strategic bargaining, both sides seem to agree that maintaining economic stability is more important than fighting tariffs.

The issues of EV exports, soybean purchases, and China’s role in the Ukraine conflict show that trade relations are now inseparable from global geopolitics. Going forward, closer cooperation between the EU and China could be a counterweight to growing US protectionism.

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Reference:

• Shummas Humayun / Cryptopolitan. EU and China’s officials stress on cooperation in the face of tariffs. Accessed September 26, 2025.
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