Berlin, (TDI): China’s Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, has held intensive meetings with officials from major EU member states, including Germany, in an effort to resolve the ongoing tariff dispute on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).
This comes amid growing tensions over the EU’s decision to launch an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EV imports, which China views as a politically motivated and protectionist move.
Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed on Wednesday that China remains sincere and committed to resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation.
He criticized the EU’s probe as a violation of WTO rules and a move that undermines global efforts to combat climate change, while also impeding the EU’s own green transition.
In a key meeting in Berlin, Wang met with Wolfgang Schmidt, head of Germany’s Federal Chancellery, where he expressed disappointment over the EU’s swift rejection of China’s proposals to resolve the tariff dispute.
Wang emphasized that China would continue to seek a resolution, stressing that escalating trade tensions would only harm both sides.
Wang Urges Germany to Play Leading Role
He urged Germany to play a leading role in influencing the European Commission (EC) to reconsider its stance.
Wang’s talks with Schmidt were part of a broader diplomatic effort ahead of his upcoming meeting with European Commission Vice President and Trade Commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis.
China has been actively engaging with several EU countries, including Germany and Italy, to avoid further escalation in trade frictions.
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Chinese officials argue that tariffs are not a solution and have stressed the importance of mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, highlighted that China’s close economic ties with the EU span multiple industries, including EVs.
He urged the EU to respect market rules and listen to the concerns of both governments and industry players within the region.
During talks, German officials, including Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, expressed a preference for dialogue over tariffs.
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Habeck reaffirmed Germany’s support for free trade and welcomed investments from Chinese automakers, opposing the EU’s proposed tariffs.
Despite China’s diplomatic push, the European Commission remains firm.
On September 12, the EC confirmed that it had rejected offers from Chinese EV manufacturers to set minimum import prices into the EU market, signaling that the dispute may continue unless a negotiated solution is found.
