IndoDaily Home Page
TRADE WARS
EU must be 'pragmatic' with US, 'engage' with China: von der Leyen
EU must be 'pragmatic' with US, 'engage' with China: von der Leyen
by AFP Staff Writers
Davos, Switzerland (AFP) Jan 21, 2025

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called Tuesday for the bloc to "deepen" ties with China and boost relations with India, while taking a "pragmatic" approach with Donald Trump's combative new US administration.

In an opening address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen emphasised cooperation rather than confrontation with Trump, who has promised punitive import tariffs on key partners as part of his trade policy.

"Our first priority will be to engage early, discuss common interests, and be ready to negotiate," the commission chief told the gathering of the world's elites in Switzerland.

"We will be pragmatic, but we will always stand by our principles," said von der Leyen, stressing that Europe remained committed to the Paris climate agreement despite Trump's order to withdraw the United States from the deal.

The EU chief focused much of her address on the need to foster partnerships beyond the United States -- calling for the bloc to "engage constructively" with China, despite rising trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels.

"2025 marks 50 years of our Union's diplomatic relations with China. I see it as an opportunity to engage and deepen our relationship with China, and where possible, even to expand our trade and investment ties," she said.

She also announced that her top team would visit India to boost ties on the first trip abroad of its new mandate.

"Together with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi we want to upgrade the strategic partnership with the largest country and democracy in the world," von der Leyen said.

The EU has said it stands "ready" to defend its interests should Trump make good on his trade threats -- though the returning US leader has so far stopped short of announcing immediate new tariffs.

"It is in no one's interest, to break the bonds in the global economy," von der Leyen said.

Faced with the looming threat, the EU has been working to diversify its trading partnerships, announcing in recent days both a strengthened trade deal with Mexico and the resumption of talks towards a free trade deal with Malaysia.

Related Links
Global Trade News

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
TRADE WARS
US to tighten trade rules to hit low-cost China shipments
Washington (AFP) Jan 17, 2025
The United States unveiled a new rule Friday to tighten an exemption allowing low-value imports to enter the country duty-free, taking aim at Chinese shipments that might be benefiting from it. The proposal disqualifies certain products from the low-value, or "de minimis," exemption, which allows goods valued at $800 or below to come into the United States without paying duties or certain taxes. "Both the volume and combined worth of low-value, or de minimis, shipments to the United States have ... read more

TRADE WARS
Ex-US Marine pilot fights extradition from Australia to US

South Korea begins lifting Jeju Air wreckage after fatal crash

Black box of Azerbaijan crashed plane sent to Brazil for investigation: authorities

Several airlines cancel flights to Russia after Azerbaijan Airlines crash

TRADE WARS
Charging forward: The impact of electrifying heavy-duty vehicles on the grid

Super-sized electric vehicles will not solve the climate crisis

Beijing 'firmly opposes' US ban on smart cars with Chinese tech

Global electric car sales rose by 25% in 2024

TRADE WARS
Explained: Generative AI's environmental impact

Doug Burgum touts Trump's plan for 'energy dominance' to Senate panel

Climate science-denying energy secretary nominee calls for expanding U.S. energy sector

US energy firm Constellation to buy Calpine in $27 bn deal

TRADE WARS
New material reveals unconventional superconductivity hallmark

Unlocking the potential of lithium-sulfur batteries

US Department of Energy invests $107 million in fusion energy innovation

UT secures $20 million grant for fusion materials research

TRADE WARS
Raw materials from nuclear waste

AI powers modeling of safer sustainable nuclear reactors

Argonne's research drives innovation in Gen-IV reactor safety and efficiency

Mongolia signs landmark mining deal with French nuclear giant

TRADE WARS
New tools analyze Pollock paintings with 2D multifractal methods

Neutron Star Deformations May Create Space-Time Ripples

On the path to defining a new second

This quasar may have illuminated the early universe

TRADE WARS
Thailand seeks to quell fears of Chinese tourists

US to tighten trade rules to hit low-cost China shipments

'No money': gloom on Beijing streets as economic growth slows

US Treasury nominee says Trump can usher in 'economic golden age'

TRADE WARS
37 killed in north Syria clashes between pro-Turkey, Kurdish forces: monitor

Syria monitor: 101 killed in battles between pro-Turkey, Kurdish forces

Iraqi Kurdish city bans groups accused of PKK links

Pakistan soldier killed in border clash with Afghan forces: security source

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.