China's Ministry of Commerce. Photo: VCG

China's anti-dumping probe into imported brandy from the EU does not target any EU member nor has any pre-set investigation results, and China will conduct the probe in line with Chinese laws and WTO rules to fully ensure the rights of related parties, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Monday.

Wang made the remarks at a meeting with French brandy companies and industry association in Paris, according to a statement on the website of China's Ministry of Commerce.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France, Wang said, noting that there remains great potential for China-France economic and trade cooperation.

The Chinese side is willing to strengthen cooperation with French business community to contribute to the stable development of China-France economic and trade relations, Wang said.

With a very large market size, China has vast consumption potential. 2024 is the year that China aims to boost consumption and Chinese consumers' demand for quality imports further increases, Wang said, while expressing welcome for French companies to share China's development opportunities.

Three industry associations and representatives of five French companies including Pernod Ricard and Rémy Cointreau Group joined the meeting, during which they stressed that they will actively cooperate with China's investigations and are willing to expand operations in the China market.

In January 2024, China announced an investigation into brandy imported from the EU following a request from the China Alcoholic Drinks Association on behalf of the domestic industry, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The anti-dumping probe examine EU-produced brandy in containers holding less than 200 liters imported from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023, the ministry said in a statement on its website.

Wang on Sunday also refuted accusations of overcapacity in China's electric vehicle (EV) industry, at a roundtable meeting with Chinese EV companies held in Paris.

Global Times