China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has called on France to play an active role in encouraging the European Commission to engage sincerely and meet China halfway to resolve the European Union’s anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).
During a meeting in Shanghai on Sunday with Sophie Primas, the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Wang emphasized the importance of cooperation between the EU and Chinese automotive industries. The meeting took place ahead of the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), which begins this week.
Wang expressed concern that the EU’s probe has significantly hindered collaboration between the industries on both sides. He noted that technical teams from China and the EU are currently engaged in a second round of consultations. Wang reiterated China’s commitment to addressing trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, respecting facts and adhering to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
Highlighting the differences in trade investigations, Wang pointed out that while the EU’s probe was initiated without industry applications, China’s trade remedy investigations into certain EU goods—such as brandy, pork, and dairy products—were launched at the request of domestic industries and fully comply with WTO rules and Chinese laws.
He assured that China will continue to handle these investigations lawfully, safeguard the legal rights of enterprises from EU member states including France, and base rulings on evidence and facts. “China is ready to work with the European Commission to seek a proper solution in this respect,” Wang added.
Marking the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, Wang noted that France is featured as a guest country of honor at the CIIE again. Over 100 French companies are set to participate—the highest number among EU countries—highlighting strong French interest in the Chinese market.
Minister Primas affirmed France’s firm commitment to deepening economic and trade relations with China. She expressed pleasure at France’s role as a guest country of honor at the expo and conveyed significant concerns over China’s investigations into EU products, including brandy, which are vital to France’s trade with China.
Primas stated that France does not wish to see a further escalation of current EU-China trade tensions and hopes both sides will resolve trade disputes through consultation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
