Berlin: Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul will travel to China from December 8 to 9 to discuss key trade issues, with rare earth supply and steel imports expected to be at the center of talks.

The visit comes at a time when trade tensions between Europe and China are growing, especially over export controls on critical materials and the rising flow of low cost Chinese steel into European markets. European industries, including electric vehicles, defense technology and electronics, depend heavily on rare earths, most of which are processed in China.

Wadephul said it was important to maintain dialogue with China despite disagreements. He noted that several issues are difficult and sensitive but added that cooperation is necessary because of global economic and political challen

See Full Page