China has called on Belgium to take on a constructive role within the European Union to help ease ongoing economic and trade tensions, following high-level talks in Beijing

between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Belgian counterpart Maxime Prévot.

Prévot’s visit to China and Hong Kong, which runs from Monday to Friday, combines political meetings with economic engagements, including company visits and cultural events. During his trip, he held discussions not only with Wang but also with Vice-Premier He Lifeng, with trade relations high on the agenda.

Ahead of their meeting, Wang подчеркнул that China and Belgium share common interests and a commitment to multilateralism and international law. He stressed Beijing’s willingness to deepen cooperation with both Belgium and the EU, expressing hope that Brussels could serve as a “bridge” to foster dialogue and help resolve trade disputes between China and the bloc.

Prévot described the exchanges as “open and frank,” but acknowledged persistent friction over trade. He pointed to what Europe sees as unfair Chinese competition, warning that it threatens the continent’s economic strength and industrial base.

“Europe is not acting out of hostility,” Prévot said, “but to protect its economic and industrial interests.”

At the same time, the Belgian minister cautioned against confronting China’s economic rise, calling such efforts futile. Instead, he advocated for a pragmatic, solution-driven approach aimed at finding mutually beneficial paths for growth while avoiding an escalation of retaliatory measures.

Prévot also underscored the need for a coordinated European response to address these challenges, signaling that any long-term solution must be shaped at the EU level. Photo bby N509FZ, Wikimedia commons.