EU leaders express concern over US-China trade war

 European Union have expressed concern over the intensifying trade friction between the United States and China, and stressed the importance of a rules-based trade system.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk were speaking to reporters in Osaka ahead of the opening of the G20 summit on Friday.

Juncker said the trade relations between the US and China are difficult and they are contributing to the slowdown of the global economy. He noted that a rules-based, multilateral trade system needs to be strengthened. He stressed that the EU will work closely with the US, China and Japan to reform the World Trade Organization.

Tusk referred to the tensions involving Iran. He said the EU will strongly urge Iran to continue the full implementation of all its commitments under the nuclear deal it signed with world powers in 2015.

Tusk said the matter is important for the security of the region and the whole world. He added that the EU will continue to monitor Tehran’s compliance.