# Merz says EU hopes to avoid trade war with China while defending itself

https://mins.news/en/item/109314

- Bloomberg News, 2026-10-21 11:00 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-21/merz-says-protectionism-is-throwing-a-wrench-at-global-trade?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=6ad89b3d75a7df0001b13c04

> German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the EU would ideally avoid using new, tough trade powers to counter Chinese competition, but would defend itself against what he described as a new level of aggressive practices by Asia’s largest economy.

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