Photo: China's Ministry of Commerce

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Sunday met with visiting French trade official Sophie Primas in Shanghai, noting that China's trade remedy investigations into brandy, pork, and dairy products from EU complied with WTO rules and China's domestic laws.

Wang pointed out that in contrast to the EU's abrupt launch of an anti-subsidy investigation (into Chinese EVs) without any industry request, China's trade remedy probe into European brandy, pork, and dairy products were all initiated in response to applications from China's domestic industries in full compliance with WTO rules and Chinese laws.

China will continue to conduct investigations strictly in accordance with laws and regulations, safeguarding the legitimate rights of companies from EU member states, including France, and will make rulings based on facts and evidence, said Wang, noting that China is willing to work with the European Commission to seek an appropriate solution.

Primas said that agricultural and food products are a significant part of France's trade with China, and France is very concerned about China's investigation into EU products such as brandy, stressing that France does not wish to see any escalation of the current trade tensions between the two parties, and Paris hopes that both can resolve trade differences through talks and consultations.

The meeting was held amid the preparation of the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) which will open on November 5 in Shanghai. 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and France.

France is once again serving as the Guest of Honor at the CIIE, with over 100 French companies participating — the highest number among EU countries — demonstrating the strong commitment of French businesses to the Chinese market, said Wang.

Wang emphasized that EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs is significantly hindering cooperation between Chinese and European automotive industries and is a major concern for both sides.

At present, Chinese and European technical teams are engaged in second-phase consultations to resolve the issue. Wang urged France to play an active role in encouraging the European Commission to show sincerity and work cooperatively with China to reach a solution that is acceptable to both industries as soon as possible.

Global Times