Beijing: China's top diplomat Wang Yi has urged the United Kingdom and the European Union to protect international trade in light of the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. In a recent phone call with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Wang Yi emphasized the detrimental use of tariffs by the US, describing them as a "weapon" used against several countries, a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry revealed.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wang Yi highlighted China's stance against these tariffs, asserting that Beijing is committed to defending its legitimate rights and interests while upholding international rules and the multilateral trading system. He expressed China's readiness to collaborate with the UK to remove any obstacles hindering bilateral cooperation and underscored the shared responsibility of Beijing and London in preserving the international order established post-World War II, centered around the United Nations and the multilateral trading system.

The Chinese diplomat also engaged in a conversation with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger on the same day. Wang Yi reiterated the call for a united defense of the multilateral trade framework with the EU. During this dialogue, he also expressed optimism regarding the new Austrian government's approach towards maintaining amicable relations with China.