China, EU committed to upholding free, open trade

China has ample policy tools to offset external adverse impacts this year, and the nation is "full of confidence in maintaining sustained and healthy economic development", Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday as he slammed the sweeping tariff hikes by the United States on its trade partners.

Li struck an upbeat note on the world's second-largest economy during a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, amid disruptions caused by tariffs imposed by Washington.

Li reiterated that Beijing's macroeconomic policies this year have taken into full account various uncertain factors, while reaffirming the commitment to expanding opening-up and fostering collaboration with economies worldwide, including the European Union, to share opportunities for development.