According to the spokesman, both sides seek to create a favorable environment to promote investment cooperation and industrial development between Chinese and European companies.

The European bloc approved tariffs of up to 35 percent on Chinese electric vehicles late last year, which were added to the already existing 10 percent rate.

The vote showed a divided European Union on this issue as 10 countries said yes to the measure (including Italy, France and Poland), 12 abstained and five rejected it (including Germany and Sweden).

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce rejected this imposition and described the measure as protectionist, unfair and unreasonable.

However, both sides expressed the political will to resolve the differences through negotiations and began talks on price commitments to avoid an escalation of tensions.

Anid the US tariff war against the world, Beijing urged to close ranks with Europe in general, take advantage of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU in 2025 and deepen ties in different sectors “to give greater certainty to the international community”.

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