Posted on 25 Jun 2024
The Chinese government says it’s ready to initiate the dialogue with the EU on its electric vehicles anti-subsidy investigation and proposed tariffs, Kallanish reports.
According to China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao, Beijing is willing to consider both parties’ “reasonable concerns to prevent the escalation into trade frictions.” While noting China would strongly “defend its legitimate rights and interests,” including filing a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization, he also says differences can be solved through dialogue.
If the EU is “sincere” in sitting down at the negotiating table, China is also willing to address the matter in a “rational and professional manner,” the minister adds in a statement.
During a meeting over the weekend with Germany’s vice chancellor Robert Habeck in China, Wang spoke with Valdis Dombrovskis – the European Commission’s vice president and trade commissioner – via video call. According to the Chinese government, the officials agreed to initiate consultations, which could change the course of tariffs on China-made BEVs in Europe before 4 July.
Beijing sees Germany playing a key role in trilateral negotiations between the leaders of China, France and the EU.
“The economic interests of China and Germany are deeply intertwined, and the markets of the two countries are highly dependent on each other. Therefore, strengthening cooperation between the two sides is not a risk, but decoupling and breaking the chain will cause the greatest risk,” the Chinese commerce ministry warns.
Habeck is concerned the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation on China-made BEVs will harm Europe’s green transformation and consumer interests. As the higher import tariffs would damage the interests of German automakers in China, the official emphasised the importance of open markets and the positive effect of competition.
Prior to the trip, Habeck said: “China continues to be of great importance to many German companies as a production location, innovation centre and as a procurement and sales market. That is why it is important that we stay in dialogue and also talk about fair and equal competitive conditions.”
Source:Kallanish