On April 28th, reports indicated that the previous day, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao engaged in a meeting with President Mueller of the German Association of the Automotive Industry. During the discussion, both parties shared insights on several key topics, including Sino-German collaboration in the automotive sector, the importance of sustaining the stability of global automotive production and supply chains, and the EU's economic and trade restrictions targeting China.
Wang Wentao highlighted that earlier in the year, China and the EU reached a "soft landing" for the electric vehicle case by means of price commitments. He expressed the hope that the EU would honor its commitments, accelerate negotiations with Chinese automotive manufacturers, and facilitate the prompt implementation of these price commitments. He emphasized that China and the EU should address their differences through dialogue and consultation, working together to maintain the stability of global automotive production and supply chains.
China voiced its concerns regarding the recent economic and trade restrictions imposed by the EU, arguing that these protectionist measures could pose risks to Chinese companies and erode confidence in European investments. China hopes that the German Association of the Automotive Industry will take a constructive stance by urging the EU to uphold the principles of free competition, adhere to World Trade Organization regulations, revise unsuitable provisions, and foster a fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory business environment conducive to cooperation between Chinese and European companies.
