China has urged France to help facilitate a mutually acceptable solution for the European and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industries amid ongoing trade tensions. This plea comes as the EU launched an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of Chinese-made battery EVs and recently voted to impose tariffs on these vehicles. In response, China has initiated its own investigations into European pork and dairy and introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on EU brandy imports.
During a meeting in Shanghai, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao called on French junior trade minister Sophie Primas to actively engage with the EU regarding the concerns surrounding Chinese EVs, which he claimed are obstructing cooperation in the auto industry. Primas responded by affirming the EU’s commitment to fair competition, while also standing firm on key issues, including the tariffs on brandy that France considers politically motivated.
Wang emphasized that China’s investigations into EU products comply with World Trade Organization regulations and are in response to domestic industry applications. He indicated that China is open to collaborating with the European Commission to find a suitable resolution but did not provide specific details.
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