German Finance Minister Christian Lindner warned against entering into a trade war with China against the background of the debate on possible punitive tariffs by the European Union on Chinese products, reported DPA, quoted by BTA.
Lindner said that EU countries should respond to dumping and unfair practices, but should not weaken free and fair global trade in general, "because there are only losers in trade wars, they cannot be won".
Lindner made his remarks during a meeting of finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) rich democracies in northern Italy.
Among the topics to be discussed at the meeting are a possible joint response to China's industrial policy and to deal with competition from subsidized Chinese exports.
Last week, the US imposed special tariffs on imports of electric cars, semiconductors, solar cells, cranes and other products from China.
The US has accused China of distorting competition through massive government subsidies, which allow Chinese companies to undercut American rivals with artificially low prices.
China also exports large quantities of products to Europe, including a growing number of electric vehicles.
Ahead of the meeting in Italy, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called for a clear and united front between the US and the EU against Chinese manufacturing overcapacity.