FT learned about China's desire to get closer to the EU amid the trade war with the United States

China is seeking economic rapprochement with the European Union (EU) amid a trade war with the United States. This was reported on April 17 by the Financial Times (FT) newspaper.

"Chinese officials and companies are seeking closer ties with the EU amid the trade war between [US President] Donald Trump, but the bloc remains extremely skeptical about the idea of becoming a dumping ground for goods diverted from the United States," the article says.

According to the newspaper, in this way Beijing hopes to find alternative markets for its goods. It is clarified that China has recently sent trade delegations to European capitals, and their factories are currently exploring the possibility of redirecting products to the continent's markets.

It is noted that the leaders of the EU member states, among other things, stated the need for closer cooperation with China. The FT clarified that in order to reset relations between the EU and Beijing, it is necessary to overcome differences "over China's huge trade surplus", as well as barriers to access to its own market. Difficulties also arise against the background of China's "tacit support" for the conflict in Ukraine.

Zhang Yansheng, a senior researcher at the state analytical center of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, stressed that it was "time for the parties to start all over again." According to him, the tariff changes provide China with an opportunity to rethink trade relations with other countries and suggest the idea of increasing exports to Europe, as well as imports.

Trade raft: China strengthens ties with Southeast Asia due to US pressure

Why Beijing's partners don't want to cut ties with the American market

Amid widespread reports of the US intention to offer more than 70 countries to reduce trade duties in exchange for limiting trade relations with China, a British government source said on April 16 that the United Kingdom would continue trade relations with China. According to the newspaper The i Paper, he urged not to confuse negotiations with the United States and Anglo-Chinese relations.

On April 9, Trump announced the suspension of duties previously imposed on a number of countries for 90 days. He also announced an immediate increase in duties on products from China to 125%. On April 10, this figure reached 145%.