Beijing, October 26, 2024 – The Europe Today: China and the European Union (EU) have expressed their commitment to resolving the ongoing dispute regarding the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles through dialogue. This announcement follows a video conference on Friday between China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.
In a statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce, it was revealed that both sides agreed to continue pursuing a price commitment as a potential resolution to the case. Wang emphasized the strong calls and expectations from various sectors in both China and Europe for a constructive handling of the investigation.
Since the initiation of intensive negotiations on September 20, progress has been noted in certain areas; however, significant differences remain on core issues important to the business communities of both regions. Wang reiterated China’s determination to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises while urging both parties to advance negotiations based on prior consultations to achieve substantial breakthroughs promptly.
The next phase of negotiations will focus on price commitments, with Wang calling for mutual consideration of core concerns. He stressed the importance of pragmatism and balance, indicating that both the effectiveness of any agreement and the core interests of enterprises should be taken into account. Additionally, he proposed establishing a bilateral communication mechanism for the implementation and supervision of the price commitments, founded on mutual trust.
The European side has also put forward specific suggestions regarding the price commitment plan and recommended that technical teams engage in video consultations to further discuss the matter. The Chinese side has welcomed this proposal and expressed readiness to commence the next stage of negotiations, inviting the European technical team to visit China at the earliest opportunity.
In addition to discussions on electric vehicles, the two sides exchanged views on trade remedy investigations that China has initiated against certain EU goods, including brandy, pork, and dairy products. The Chinese side clarified that these investigations were requested by domestic industries and are fully compliant with World Trade Organization rules as well as Chinese laws and regulations.
China affirmed its commitment to conducting these investigations lawfully, ensuring the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of all parties involved.
