Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China hoped the EU would cooperate with Beijing through dialogue to address concerns and maintain stable global supply chains. (EPA Images pic)

BEIJING: China called on France and Germany to steer clear of "protectionist" trade measures on Tuesday, after their leaders urged the EU to develop a legal arsenal for a potential trade war.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that "we need a credible instrument" for swift and decisive action.

This includes the ability to cut off access to the European single market "if needed", according to the letter seen by AFP on Monday.