China and the European Union have committed to enhancing their trade relations and addressing economic differences through dialogue, following high-level consultations in Beijing. These discussions, co-chaired by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, emphasized the need for constructive dispute resolution to maintain stable economic ties.
The talks, part of the second meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism, covered a range of issues including trade imbalances, export controls, intellectual property rights, and the reform of the World Trade Organization. Both parties agreed on measures to improve market access, strengthen trade monitoring, and explore potential tariff reductions on certain goods, all within the framework of WTO rules.
Key topics included regulatory concerns in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, and agricultural products. Electric vehicle trade also featured prominently, with discussions on price undertakings related to the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. The two sides expressed a shared goal of addressing export control issues while ensuring compliant trade and stable global supply chains.
In addition to these topics, China and the EU expressed mutual interest in expanding cooperation in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, digital services, and green technology. They also highlighted opportunities to increase mutual investment and called for business environments that are fair, transparent, and predictable for companies operating in each other’s markets.
The consultations concluded with a commitment to implementing the agreed outcomes and continuing negotiations. The two sides plan to hold a ministerial-level video meeting in January 2027, followed by the third trade and investment consultation meeting in March 2027, signaling ongoing efforts to strengthen their economic partnership.