Diversification and Defense of Free Trade
Von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s broader strategic imperative: strengthening its single market while diversifying its trade relationships. On Tuesday, she spoke with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, urging global support for multilateral institutions and the preservation of free trade principles.
“This crisis has made one thing clear,” she said. “In times of uncertainty, the single market is our anchor of stability and resilience.”
Still, as both sides posture and pivot, businesses remain caught in a crosswind of uncertainty. Whether this 90-day pause becomes a stepping stone to permanent détente or merely the eye of the storm remains to be seen.
