Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks during a regular news briefing after Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels on Monday in an effort to ease growing trade tensions.

“China and the European Union are partners, not rivals,” Guo said, adding that the causes of the EU’s economic difficulties did not originate in China.

Guo said Beijing was prepared to strengthen communication and consultations with the European Union and manage trade differences through constructive dialogue while pursuing mutual development.

Following the meeting, Sefcovic said the current state of trade relations was unsustainable, warning that “the status quo is not an option” as Brussels seeks to address longstanding concerns over its trade relationship with China.

The European Union has expressed increasing concern over China’s expanding trade surplus with the 27-member bloc, arguing that low-cost Chinese exports threaten the competitiveness of European manufacturers.

European officials have also maintained that Chinese companies benefit from substantial state subsidies, creating an uneven competitive environment for businesses operating within the European market.

Beyond trade imbalances, Brussels has also raised concerns over China’s export controls on rare earth elements introduced last year. The materials are critical for a range of industries, including advanced manufacturing, renewable energy technologies and electronics.

Wang and Sefcovic are scheduled to hold another round of trade discussions in China in October as both sides seek to manage differences and avoid further escalation in commercial disputes.

Wang told Tajani that China is prepared to work with Italy to unlock further “potential” in bilateral ties, signalling interest in deepening collaboration despite broader shifts in global trade dynamics.

China is open to expanding cooperation in areas including e-commerce, agriculture and food, healthcare and the development of industrial parks, the commerce ministry said, outlining sectors seen as key to future engagement.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by Beijing to sustain and diversify trade relationships with European partners, as global supply chains and geopolitical alignments continue to evolve.