China and the European Union (EU) have yet to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), despite significant progress in certain areas, according to China's Ministry of Commerce on Saturday.
A spokesperson from the ministry stated that China has formally invited the EU to dispatch a technical team for the next phase of face-to-face consultations. \"China's attitude and sincerity in seeking a solution through dialogue and consultation have not changed,\" the spokesperson emphasized.
China expressed hope that the EU would arrange the visit promptly and advance the consultations with a constructive approach to reach an appropriate solution at an early date.
Since September 20, technical teams from both sides have engaged in eight rounds of intensive negotiations in Brussels. However, major differences persist, the spokesperson noted.
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 promote negotiations on a price commitment agreement and fully commit to achieving a mutually acceptable solution through dialogue and consultations.
During the latest rounds of negotiations, China has thoroughly considered the demands and opinions of both Chinese and European industries. The Chinese side has repeatedly proposed pragmatic and constructive solutions to address the EU's concerns, demonstrating utmost sincerity and flexibility. \"However, it is regrettable that the EU has failed to actively respond to the core concerns of both Chinese and European industries,\" the spokesperson remarked.
The spokesperson also commented on recent reports of the EU holding separate price commitment discussions 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 representing the overall position of the industry. \"This is the basis of the China-EU negotiations,\" the spokesperson stated.
Reference(s):
China, EU yet to reach acceptable solution on EV anti-subsidy case
cgtn.com
