An official statement from the European Commission said: "In response to the widespread disruption caused by the US tariffs, President von der Leyen stressed the responsibility of Europe and China, as two of the world's largest markets, to support a strong reformed trading system, free, fair and founded on a level playing field.

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, urged China on Tuesday to ensure a negotiated solution to problems caused by the sweeping import tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The White House’s move came less than 24 hours after steep tariffs took effect on dozens of U.S. trading partners.