The Beijing Hour China, France pledge to protect free trade
May 16, 2025
China and France are joining forces to bolster free trade and strengthen bilateral ties, showcasing their commitment to multilateralism. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine engaged in their first talks since March 2022, highlighting a shift in diplomatic dynamics. In the Middle East, President Trump unveiled $200 billion in deals with the UAE, focusing on cooperation in artificial intelligence. The podcast also touches on Algeria's transition to English in education, reflecting evolving linguistic trends.
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China-France Commit to Free Trade
- China and France reaffirmed their commitment to protect free trade and multilateralism at a high-level dialogue in Paris.
- Both countries aim to enhance cooperation in sectors like agriculture, medicine, finance, 5G, energy, and digital economy.
EU Eyes Trade Deal with US
- The EU is revising trade proposals to the US seeking a fair and lasting deal to ease ongoing tariff tensions.
- Failure to reach an agreement could lead the EU to impose countermeasures amounting to $107 billion.
Tariff Relief Eases US Supply Concerns
- U.S. businesses reliant on Chinese goods expressed relief after temporary tariff reductions allowed goods to flow freely.
- Some companies warned popular products may quickly run out of stock, urging to order soon.