Published on: 2026-10-12
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
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Beijing, October 11 /Xinhua/ — China and the European Union /EU/ reaffirmed their positioning of bilateral relations as stable and balanced key trading partnerships following a meeting of the bilateral consultations mechanism on trade and investment, a Chinese Ministry of Commerce official said on Saturday.
China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade Policy and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič co-chaired the second meeting of the above-mentioned mechanism, which took place in Beijing from Thursday to Friday.
The parties confirmed that they will manage trade and economic disagreements and mutual concerns in a balanced manner within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, explore ways to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote balanced growth and further development of trade between China and the EU.
Both parties agreed that the mechanism of bilateral consultations operates smoothly and effectively, and that “the successful holding of its second meeting marked a new beginning, not an end,” the official said.
The results achieved at the meeting fully demonstrated that China and the EU possess both the will and the wisdom to manage and properly resolve disagreements through dialogue and consultations, effectively preventing the escalation of tensions, the representative noted.
The parties held intensive consultations in a spirit of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, deeply discussing ways to resolve mutual concerns on an equal footing, expanding bilateral market access, and promoting a dynamic balance in trade between China and the EU. Topics covered during the negotiations included medical equipment, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, inverters, and agri-food products.
According to the official, the parties agreed to explore the possibility of reducing tariffs on certain goods within the framework of WTO rules, as well as to hold a technical dialogue on the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation.
In-depth discussions on the trade of electric and hybrid vehicles also took place, which helped prevent further escalation of the situation, effectively protected the real export interests of Chinese enterprises, and supported the stable development of hybrid vehicle trade between China and the EU.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to resolving mutual export control concerns. The European side will continue working to make progress in resolving key licensing issues concerning China in the dual-use sector, the official noted.
The parties agreed that China and the EU have significant potential for cooperation in areas such as new energy sources, artificial intelligence, trade in services, digital economy, as well as green and low-carbon development, and that they can continue to explore new opportunities and expand areas of cooperation.
As stated by the official representative, China will continue to welcome investments and business operations by EU companies in China, and will continue to improve the business environment.
China also hopes that the EU will provide Chinese companies with a fair, transparent, and predictable business environment, effectively protect their legitimate rights and interests, and strengthen their confidence and expectations regarding investment and conducting business activities in the EU.
In the future, the parties will intensify efforts on key trade and economic issues of mutual interest and will work together on implementing the results and agreements reached at the meeting, the official noted.
The parties also agreed to hold the third meeting of this mechanism in March 2027. Until then, the parties will maintain close contacts at all levels, including organizing a video conference at the ministerial level in January of next year.
It was emphasized that stable and healthy trade and economic relations between China and the EU serve the common interests of both parties, and also contribute certainty and a positive impulse to global economic growth and the stability of production and supply chains, said an official from the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC.
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