China Rejects 'Megaphone Diplomacy' After EU Trade Deficit Warning

China on Thursday pushed back against recent European Union criticism of its trade and economic policies, saying its position is consistent and clear and that it does not resort to "megaphone diplomacy" or trade barbs.

The response came from Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong, who was reacting to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent State of the Union address. In that speech, von der Leyen described the EU's trade deficit with China as having reached "a tipping point" and referred to a so-called "second China shock."

"We have taken note of the relevant remarks. I would like to stress that China's position and attitude are consistent and clear. At the same time, we do not engage in 'megaphone diplomacy' or trade barbs," He said at a press briefing in Beijing.

The exchange highlights continuing friction between the two major trading partners over economic imbalances and market access, even as both sides publicly stress the importance of their commercial relationship.

China's Commerce Ministry has repeatedly said it favours dialogue over public confrontation in handling trade disputes. Thursday's remarks were the latest signal that Beijing intends to keep its response measured while defending its position on the EU's trade concerns.