China EU Photo: VCG

Chinese experts on Sunday urged the EU to comply with WTO rules and show sincerity regarding trade issues with China, in a bid to promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU economic and trade relations, after the EU announced on Friday that it would launch an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of hardwood plywood originating in China.

The European Commission (EC) released on Friday a notice of initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of hardwood plywood originating in China on its website, alleging that the complaint was lodged on August 27 by the Greenwood Consortium, which was made on behalf of the bloc's industry of hardwood plywood.

According to the EC, a regulation making imports of hardwood plywood originating in China subject to registration will be published in due time. The investigation will be concluded within one year, and provisional measures may be imposed not later than seven months of the date of the publication of the notice.

"From the perspective of international trade, anti-dumping investigations often tend to trigger trade frictions and tensions. The EU's move not only concerns the interests of relevant industries within the bloc, but may also have an impact on trade relations between China and Europe," Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday.

A comprehensive and systematic investigation should be carried out in order to make a fair decision, Wang said, urging the bloc to comply with WTO rules and show sincerity regarding trade issues with China so as to promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU economic and trade relations.

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Saturday that China and the EU have held eight rounds of intensive consultations starting from September 20, and significant progress has been made in some areas regarding the electric vehicle tariff issue.

China has listened to concerns and suggestions from both the Chinese and European industrial sectors, proposing multiple pragmatic and constructive solutions to address the EU's concerns, demonstrating its sincerity and flexibility, according to a written MOFCOM statement citing its spokesperson.

However, the EU side did not adequately address core concerns of the industries in China and Europe, leading to significant differences and the failure to reach a mutually acceptable solution, the spokesperson said.

China remains steadfast in its resolve to find a solution through dialogue and has formally invited European technical teams to visit China. All preparations for the next round of face-to-face discussions are complete, said the ministry.

Wang noted that the EU should adopt a more flexible and pragmatic attitude in exploring, with the Chinese side, mutually beneficial and win-win solutions. During the negotiation process, the two sides can seek to reach a balance in their respective areas of concern.