China-EU tensions, Xi in North Korea, flatlining retail sales

China urged major nations to foster a free trading environment ahead of two summits that could lead to a trade war with the European Union. Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing emphasized expanding high-standard opening up during a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and representatives from Brazil, India, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.