Spain sends good signals, Beijing "invites" Europe to make concessions

On September 12, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed its hope that the European Union (EU) will work with China to find solutions to promote stable economic and trade relations.

China calls on EU to cooperate in resolving trade disputes. (Source: Getty Images)

Previously, on September 11, during a visit to China, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said EU member states and the European Commission (EC) should reconsider to avoid a possible trade war.

Speaking at a regular press conference, spokesman Mao Ning said Beijing appreciated Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's "objective and rational" view that the EU should reconsider its proposal to impose import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

"We are looking for solutions that can be accepted by both sides," Mao Ning said.

Beijing expressed hope that both sides would also make concessions to promote healthy and stable economic and trade relations.

In a related development, a source from the Italian government said that Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will visit the country next week as the world's second-largest economy wants to cool tensions over electric vehicles.

Minister Vuong Van Dao is expected to meet with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso in Rome.

Italy initially backed the tax in a non-binding vote by EU member states in July 2024, along with France and Spain.

The EC, the EU's trade policy watchdog, is moving forward with a proposal for a final tariff of up to 35.3% on electric cars made in China, on top of the current 10% import duty.

The proposal will be put to a vote by the 27 member states. It will be implemented by the end of October if a majority of 15 member states, representing 65% of the EU population, do not vote against it.

This is a major barrier to China's electric vehicles.

Conversely, Beijing's threat of retaliation against pork, dairy products and spirits could affect some EU countries.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/cang-thang-trung-quoc-eu-tay-ban-nha-phat-tin-hieu-vui-bac-kinh-ru-chau-au-cung-nhuong-bo-286028.html