From October 8 to 9, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic co-chaired the second meeting of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation Mechanism in Beijing.
The two sides held equal, professional, and constructive talks on issues including trade and investment balance, export controls, intellectual property rights, and WTO reform, comprehensively reviewed the consultation situation and various progress since the first meeting of the mechanism, and reached consensus on outcomes.
A responsible official of the European Affairs Department of the Ministry of Commerce provided an interpretation of the relevant outcomes.
On China-EU Economic and Trade Relations
First, the two sides reaffirmed the positioning of stable and balanced key trade partners between China and the EU, and confirmed that they will handle economic and trade differences and each other's concerns in a balanced manner within the framework of WTO rules, explore deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote upward balance and forward development of China-EU trade.
Second, both sides agreed that the mechanism operates smoothly and efficiently, and that the successful convening of the second meeting is a new starting point, not an endpoint. The consensus outcomes reached fully demonstrate that China and the EU have both the willingness and the wisdom to manage and properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation, effectively avoiding escalation of frictions.
Third, both sides believe that a stable and healthy China-EU economic and trade relationship not only benefits enterprises and people on both sides and serves the common interests of both parties, but also injects certainty and positive energy into global economic growth and the stability of industrial and supply chains.
On Trade and Investment Balance
The two sides, upholding the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, conducted intensive consultations around topics including medical devices, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, inverters, and agricultural and food products, and held in-depth discussions on how to address each other's concerns on an equal basis, expand two-way market access, and promote dynamic balance in China-EU trade.
First, both sides agreed to leverage the role of the trade monitoring mechanism, explore the possibility of reducing tariffs on certain goods within the framework of WTO rules, and conduct technical dialogue on the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation, so as to create a fair, transparent, and predictable environment for China-EU trade and investment cooperation. On the basis of previous good cooperation, both sides are willing to exchange views on market access issues in areas such as medical devices and agricultural products, and continue to maintain communication on issues including the EU guidance document on financing for inverter projects and regulation of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Second, based on the basic principles of respecting facts, non-discrimination, and compliance with WTO rules, the two sides held in-depth discussions on trade in electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, avoiding escalation of the situation and effectively safeguarding the actual export interests of Chinese enterprises and the stable development of China-EU hybrid vehicle trade. At the same time, both sides reviewed the previously reached general guidance document on price undertakings in the electric vehicle anti-subsidy case, and the EU side will actively advance procedures related to enterprise price undertakings and the review of the electric vehicle case.
Third, both sides took a positive outlook on future cooperation, believing that China and the EU have enormous cooperation potential in areas such as new energy, artificial intelligence, trade in services, the digital economy, and green and low-carbon development, and can further tap new opportunities and expand new space. Both sides agreed to explore two-way investment cooperation. China, as always, welcomes EU enterprises to invest and develop in China and will continuously improve the business environment. At the same time, China expects the EU to create a fair, transparent, and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises, effectively safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, and enhance their confidence and expectations in investing and operating in Europe.
On Export Controls
Since the establishment of the China-EU export control dialogue mechanism, the two sides have maintained close communication at various levels. Both sides agreed to further leverage the role of the export control dialogue mechanism, strengthen policy communication, and maintain the stability and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains. Both sides reiterated their commitment to addressing each other's concerns in the field of export controls, and the EU side will continue to push for progress in resolving key licensing cases for China in the dual-use field. Around compliant trade in China-EU dual-use items, both sides explored the possibility of introducing mutual facilitation measures, and the EU side will consider possible facilitation measures for China. Both sides also agreed to strengthen communication on the issue of removal from sanctions lists in the field of export controls, and to support and substantively launch mutual delisting procedures within their respective legal frameworks.
On Intellectual Property Rights
China and the EU have maintained long-term friendly cooperative relations in intellectual property protection and have continuously made progress. Both sides are willing to continue deepening exchanges and expanding cooperation space. China hopes the EU side will attach importance to China's demands and actively promote their resolution. Both sides believe it is necessary to set phased goals and continue to give full play to the main channel role of the China-EU Intellectual Property Working Group, deepening cooperation and monitoring progress.
On WTO Reform
Both China and the EU are firm supporters of and active contributors to the multilateral trading system. Both sides emphasized the value of the rules-based multilateral trading system, support WTO reform, and stress the importance of complying with WTO rules. Both sides agreed to further strengthen communication and cooperation in an open and constructive manner and conduct discussions on all relevant issues of WTO reform, with a view to promoting substantive progress in the reform.
On Follow-up Work Outlook
For the next stage of work, both sides will continue to step up work on important economic and trade issues of common concern and jointly promote the implementation of the consensus outcomes reached at the second meeting. Both sides also agreed that the third meeting of the mechanism will be held in March 2027, and before that, the two sides will maintain close communication at various levels, including a ministerial-level video conference in January.
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