The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, asked on Friday China “adapt its behavior” to ease trade tensions between Brussels and Beijingafter a series of customs measures contested by both parties.
“We are counting on China to adapt its behavior and understand that we must rebalance economic relations for greater equality, for fair competition,” declared the European leader, who met with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang on the sidelines of the summit. of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Laos.
Michel stated that he hopes to find an agreement in the coming days or weeks, although the context is “very difficult.”
“I have the impression that the door is not closed, but it is a very difficult situation. We share the idea that a customs war will inevitably be a failure, and that we must make efforts to avoid it,” he insisted.
In response, Beijing estimated that additional EU tariffs “will not solve any problems” and criticized a “losing” approach.
“The EU should clearly recognize that additional tariffs will not solve any problem,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who urged the EU to “collaborate with China.”
Beijing on Tuesday tightened import conditions for European brandy – mainly French cognac – following Brussels’ decision to impose additional tariffs on electric cars made in China.
The European executive accuses Beijing of distorting competition by massively subsidizing its manufacturers, allowing them to offer lower prices.
The EU seeks in this way to protect its automobile industry, which employs 14.6 million people. China responded by launching antidumping investigations into pork and dairy products.
Michel assured that the EU will abandon its “naivety” in the face of massive public subsidies in China and hoped that the ongoing dialogue between European and Chinese officials will lead to a solution.
Source: Ambito
