Armrest with China remains: Beijing announces major differences in negotiations on electric cars with Brussels
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced today that discussions in Brussels on customs duties imposed by the European Union on electric vehicles imported from China have ended with the observation that “major divergences” remain.
“There are still major differences between the two sides. So far, the consultations have not resulted in a solution acceptable to both sides,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that it had invited European Union (EU) negotiators to the next round of talks in China.
On Friday, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, called on China to “adapt its behavior” in order to ease trade tensions with Brussels, following a series of customs measures contested by both parties.
“We count on China to adapt its behavior and understand that it is necessary to rebalance economic relations towards greater equity, towards fair competition”, said the leader, who met with Chinese Prime Minister, Li Qiang, on the sidelines of the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), in Laos.
Charles Michel said he hopes an agreement will be reached in the coming days or weeks, although the context is “very difficult”.
On Tuesday, Beijing imposed more conditions on the import of European brandy – particularly French cognac – following Brussels’ decision to impose punitive customs duties on Chinese-made electric cars.
The European Commission accuses Beijing of distorting competition by subsidizing manufacturers on its territory, allowing them to offer lower prices.
China retaliated by launching ‘anti-dumping’ probes into pork and dairy products.
