Ahead of the 24th China-European Union (EU) Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed two European Union officials at the Diaoyutai State Guest House, Beijing. The two are European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
This China-EU summit is an official meeting between the two parties following the imbalance of competition in the electric car market. Ursula von der Leyen announced in September 2023 that the EU was conducting an investigation into alleged Chinese government subsidies to the fast-growing electric vehicle industry. He said electric cars made in China were sold at low prices in EU countries and this might happen because of subsidies from the government.
European leaders say subsidies for electric vehicles result in unfair competition in the European automotive market. As the accused party, China criticized the investigation and warned the move would damage trade relations with the EU.
Ursula von der Leyen (Twitter/@vonderleyen) In addition, China also brought up plans for an EU investigation into China’s subsidies for the steel industry. Beijing said the investigation would disrupt supply chains and deal a blow to international trade.
Beijing also objects to the EU’s plans to implement a Carbon Restrictions Adjustment Mechanism that would set tariffs of 20-35 percent on goods with high carbon prices, such as steel and iron ore.
Currently, the EU has implemented additional tariffs on 20 types of steel and stainless steel products made in China and set import quotas as a measure to protect its market until mid-2024.
Quoted from the Antara news agency, at the meeting of the Chinese President with representatives of the Union Europe was discussed regarding China’s relations with the European Union, which according to President Xi Jinping is enjoying a good momentum of consolidation and growth in accordance with the interests of both parties and meeting people’s expectations.
President Xi Jinping when he meets Joko WIdodo (right) shakes hands during a bilateral meeting after the 2022 G20 Indonesia Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Wednesday (16/11/2022). [ANTARA FOTO/Media Center G20 Indonesia/Akbar Nugroho Gumay/nym]. “Today President Xi welcomed President Michel and President von der Leyen to Tingkok to attend the 24th China-European Union (EU) Summit. ,” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided a written statement.
“We must continue to strengthen political mutual trust from both directions, build strategic consensus and strengthen ties of common interests. We must avoid various kinds of interference and increase dialogue and cooperation for the good of our people,” said President Xi Jinping as reported from the statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Xi also invited Presidents Michel and Von der Leyen to work together to overcome global challenges and promote stability and prosperity throughout the world.”China and Europe are two great powers that advance multipolarity, two major markets that support globalization, and two “a great civilization that strives for diversity. Relations between China and Europe are very important for global peace, stability and prosperity,” continued President Xi Jinping’s statement.
President Xi Jinping said that both parties are obliged to provide greater stability for the world, a stronger impetus for development, and more inspiration and support for global governance.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. In the new starting point of China-EU relations we need to look closely at history, navigate world trends, act wisely and responsibly, and uphold the relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership. “China and the European Union must become partners for mutually beneficial cooperation,” concluded President Xi Jinping.