China has raised concerns over the EU's approach to electric vehicle (EV) trade negotiations, warning that separate talks with individual Chinese firms could harm mutual trust and complicate broader discussions.
A spokesperson from the Chinese Commerce Ministry stated on Monday that conducting parallel price commitment talks with specific companies while engaging in general negotiations with China risks undermining progress. The move could also increase administrative costs and disrupt the implementation of agreements, they added.
Behind the Scenes of the EV Drama
Last month, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held a virtual meeting with EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis. During the talks, China emphasized that its Chamber of Commerce for Machinery and Electronic Products had been authorized by industry players to present a unified price commitment plan.
"Significant efforts" have already been made in multiple rounds of consultations, the spokesperson noted, with some progress achieved. However, they urged both sides to build on this momentum and accelerate negotiations for "substantive breakthroughs."
Why This Matters Globally
As two of the world's largest EV markets, cooperation between China and the EU is crucial for stabilizing green tech supply chains and meeting climate goals. The outcome of these talks could ripple across industries—from lithium miners in Chile to battery factories in Germany.
Parallel Globalization: West vs. Non-West Paths Ahead
