{"text":[[{"start":8.85,"text":"Paris and Berlin have called for new “emergency measures” to shield European industry from surging Chinese imports, as the two countries seek a united front on issues ranging from defence co-operation to EU integration."}],[{"start":23.549999999999997,"text":"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said that Beijing’s widening trade surplus with the EU — along with what they described as a deeply undervalued renminbi — posed an existential threat to European manufacturing."}],[{"start":39.25,"text":"Speaking alongside Merz after a joint ministerial meeting near Cologne, Macron said the countries had “never been as aligned on the question of China”. Finance ministers from both countries would outline proposals for “safeguard measures” in September, he added."}],[{"start":53.45,"text":"“We are in favour of protecting our businesses,” Macron said. “We need emergency measures and early-warning procedures that the Commission can implement to react immediately and protect our industrial base.”"}],[{"start":66.9,"text":"Merz echoed Macron’s concerns, saying that the EU needed to address its “$1bn-a-day trade deficit” with China. "}],[{"start":74.85000000000001,"text":"Calling for a “frank and open dialogue” with Beijing, the German leader added: “This cannot carry on like this, because it is truly detrimental to the situation in Europe.” "}],[{"start":86.10000000000001,"text":"Both leaders insisted they were not seeking to “decouple” from China."}],[{"start":90.60000000000001,"text":"The proposals will feed into ongoing political discussions between the European Commission and EU member states to devise a new China strategy later this year. "}],[{"start":99.60000000000001,"text":"The warnings underscore a growing convergence between Paris and Berlin on China. While Paris has long advocated a more interventionist trade policy, Germany traditionally championed free trade and open markets, reflecting the interests of its export-led economy and its manufacturers’ exposure to China."}],[{"start":116.15,"text":"In 2024, Merz’s predecessor, Olaf Scholz, opposed EU tariffs against Chinese electric cars. "}],[{"start":123.65,"text":"That position has come under increasing strain as Europe’s largest economy has stagnated for the past six years and German manufacturers have lost market share to Chinese producers both at home and in their traditional export markets."}],[{"start":137.05,"text":"Volkswagen recently announced plans to cut 50,000 jobs worldwide — including many at home — while also investing in its Chinese-based operations."}],[{"start":146.4,"text":"Merz has recently shifted his views on Beijing. With German industry struggling, he has moved towards employing protectionist measures, bringing him closer to the French stance, according to people with knowledge of the debate around the chancellor. "}],[{"start":159.9,"text":"“We didn’t have the same history in our relations with China, and not always the same position,” Macron said of Germany."}],[{"start":167.55,"text":"Trade with China was part of a wide array of issues discussed by the two leaders and their ministers on Friday at their annual joint cabinet meeting. Macron and Merz said they would continue to co-operate on defence projects despite the collapse of their joint fighter jet programme. They also vowed to finalise EU plans to better unify the bloc’s capital markets."}],[{"start":197.25,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1784445596_6522.mp3"}