China is closely monitoring the European Union's trade stance and has called on Brussels to adhere to free trade, fair competition and open cooperation, reported Beijing's Global Times.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China-EU economic relations are mutually beneficial and China has never deliberately sought a trade surplus. Ms Mao added that Beijing is ready for dialogue and hopes the EU refrains from protectionist measures.

Official data showed the EU remained China's second-largest trade partner in the first 11 months of the year, with imports from the bloc rising five per cent. Bilateral trade fell 2.2 per cent year-on-year to CNY5.03 trillion (US$707 billion), while China's trade surplus with the EU dropped 16.7 per cent to CNY1.41 trillion.

Analysts said the figures highlight the importance of the Chinese market for Europe. Zhang Jian of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations dismissed EU concerns over trade imbalance, citing export controls on high-tech goods and rising European costs as key factors.

Yang Chengyu of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said bilateral cooperation remains stable, with high-level talks in areas such as the green and digital economies. He added that China's imports of European products show its commitment to opening up.

The 24th China-EU Summit was held in Beijing, the first in-person meeting in four years. European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU values ties with China and does not intend to decouple.

Experts urged Brussels to strengthen strategic autonomy and deepen cooperation with China in sectors including electric vehicles, photovoltaics and new energy. They said China's strengths could aid Europe's green transition and digital economy development.

Commerce ministry spokesman He Yadong criticised the EU's anti-subsidy probe into Chinese new-energy vehicles, warning it would harm both sides' auto industries. Mr He said China hopes the EU abandons protectionist acts and supports cooperation to tackle climate change and green transition.