China Signals Support for Automaker Investment in Europe
China's commerce minister told Germany's auto industry association head that Beijing backs Chinese automaker investment in Europe and is committed to trade consultations with the EU.
China has expressed support for its automakers investing in Europe, with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao conveying the position during a meeting with Hildegard Mueller, head of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, according to the commerce ministry.
The meeting, held on Monday, focused on auto sector issues between China and the European Union. Wang said Beijing is committed to exploring solutions through the China-EU trade consultation mechanism, grounding discussions in the principles of compliance, balance and non-discrimination.
The remarks signal China's willingness to keep automotive trade disputes with Europe on a consultative track, even as the two sides navigate tensions over electric vehicle exports and market access. By backing outward investment by Chinese carmakers, Beijing is also positioning its industry as a participant in Europe's own automotive landscape rather than solely an exporter to it.
No further details of the meeting were disclosed by the ministry.