The European Commission president also stressed that Europe “must engage constructively with China – to find solutions in our mutual interest” despite escalating trade tensions between the two.
Brussels has provoked Beijing’s ire with a raft of probes targeting state subsidies in the green tech sector, as well as slapping tariffs on Chinese electric cars.
In an apparent reference to the European Union measures, Ding warned against “erecting green barriers that could disrupt normal economic and trade cooperation”.
MORE TRADE DEALS
On the campaign trail, Trump said he would impose extra customs duties on allies including the EU, as well as on China.
After his inauguration, Trump raised the possibility of imposing 25-per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
Von der Leyen reiterated her commitment to free trade during her speech, pointing to recent EU deals with Switzerland, the South American bloc Mercosur and Mexico.
She also said she and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to “upgrade” their partnership.
Trump announced the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, which von de Leyen defended as the “best hope for all humanity” and vowed: “Europe will stay the course.”
Ukraine is also keeping a very close eye on what Trump’s second mandate will involve.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to call on world leaders and company executives to maintain – and even ramp up – their support for his country’s war against Russia.
Zelenskyy said on Monday he was hopeful Trump would help achieve a “just peace”.
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