China and the EU made progress in the electric vehicle subsidy investigation.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that although significant progress has been made in certain areas regarding the subsidy investigation opened against Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) by China and the European Union (EU), they have not yet reached a mutually acceptable solution. The ministry's spokesperson, in response to a question on Saturday, recalled that China has officially invited the EU to send a technical team to conduct the next phase of face-to-face consultations, expressing that China's attitude and sincerity in seeking a solution through dialogue and consultation have not changed. The spokesperson expressed hope that the EU would arrange the visit as soon as possible and advance consultations with a constructive attitude to reach an appropriate solution at an early date.

AGREEMENT REACHED ON CONTINUING NEGOTIATIONS

The spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that technical teams from both sides have been conducting eight rounds of intensive negotiations in Brussels since September 20, but significant differences still persist. On September 19, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis met and agreed to demonstrate full determination to advance negotiations on the price commitment agreement and to reach a mutually acceptable solution through dialogue and consultation.

WE ARE WORKING TO ADDRESS THE EU'S CONCERNS

The spokesperson stated that in the recent rounds of negotiations, they have fully taken into account the demands and views of relevant sectors in both China and Europe, and have shown great sincerity and flexibility by repeatedly proposing useful and constructive solutions to address the EU's concerns. The spokesperson said, "However, it is regrettable that the EU has not been able to actively respond to the fundamental concerns of relevant sectors in both China and Europe." In response to reports that the EU is negotiating separate price agreements with some companies from other countries, the spokesperson warned that such steps could undermine the foundation of the negotiations and mutual trust. The spokesperson also mentioned that Chinese businesses, including those with EU investments in China, have authorized the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products to propose a price commitment plan representing the overall position of the sector, stating, "This forms the basis of China-EU negotiations."