Leyen warns China 'dialogue has to deliver' on trade imbalances

The EU's upcoming trade talks with China have to deliver results, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen has warned, as the bloc weighs action to address its trade imbalances with Beijing.

Her remarks came after talks last week between top European and Chinese trade officials, following which the EU's trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said Brussels wanted "tangible results" by October from its discussions with Beijing.

The European Union must continue its dialogue with China, von der Leyen said during a visit to Cork city as Ireland kicked off its six-month presidency of the bloc.

"But the dialogue also has to deliver," von der Leyen told reporters.