China and the European Union (EU) have yet to reach a mutually acceptable solution on the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), despite making significant progress in certain areas, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce.
In a statement released on Saturday, a spokesperson for the ministry said that China has formally invited the EU to send a technical team to continue face-to-face consultations. “China’s attitude and sincerity in seeking a solution through dialogue and consultation have not changed,” the spokesperson emphasized.
China hopes that the EU will arrange the visit as soon as possible and advance the consultations with a constructive approach to reach an appropriate solution at an early date, the spokesperson added.
Since September 20, technical teams from both sides have conducted eight rounds of intensive negotiations in Brussels. However, major differences still remain.
On September 19, China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis held talks. They agreed to push forward negotiations on a price commitment agreement and fully commit to achieving a mutually acceptable solution through dialogue and consultations.
During the recent rounds of negotiations, China has fully considered the demands and opinions of both Chinese and European industries, repeatedly proposing pragmatic and constructive solutions to address the EU’s concerns, demonstrating utmost sincerity and flexibility, the spokesperson said. “However, it is regrettable that the EU has failed to actively respond to the core concerns of both Chinese and European industries,” they added.
The spokesperson also commented on reports of the EU holding separate price commitment talks with certain companies, warning that such actions could “undermine the foundation of the negotiations and mutual trust.”
Chinese enterprises, including EU-invested companies in China, have authorized the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products to propose a price commitment plan that represents the overall position of the industry. “This is the basis of the China-EU negotiations,” the spokesperson stated.
The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities in the trade relationship between China and the EU, as both sides seek to balance industrial interests with fair trade practices. The resolution of the anti-subsidy case is critical for the global EV market, with potential implications for manufacturers and consumers worldwide.
Reference(s):
China, EU yet to reach acceptable solution on EV anti-subsidy case
cgtn.com
