German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful has expressed skepticism over French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of trade tariffs on Chinese goods and warned of a "ping-pong effect."
A report, citing DPA, informs that Vadeful announced his stance during his visit to Beijing.
"Germany does not pursue a protectionist policy in principle. But the Chinese side must understand that it must take certain steps in this area," he said.
Vadeful added that higher tariffs should only be considered a "last resort" and that their effectiveness is questionable.
"Because when you get into such a cycle, there is usually a 'ping-pong' effect or a spiral of reactions, which only harm free trade," the minister noted.
French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview with the newspaper Les Echos on December 7 that if Beijing does not resolve the trade deficit between the European Union and China, the organization could consider imposing trade tariffs on Beijing's goods. According to the French President, he has already discussed imposing such tariffs with the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. At the same time, Macron stressed that it will not be easy to form a united European front on this issue.
