24 September 2024
Hi, China-EU Dynamics readers. In this edition, we bring you Chinese Commerce Minister's visit to Brussels, and the Spanish and Norwegian Prime Ministers' trips to China. And we look at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Also some good news for foreign enterprises to invest and do business in China. Enjoy!
CONSTRUCTIVE CONSULTATION ON EV TARIFF DISPUTE
Chinese Commerce Minister WANG Wentao and the European Commission EVP Valdis Dombrovskis had a comprehensive, in-depth and constructive consultation in Brussels. Both sides expressed clearly their political will to resolve differences through consultations, and agreed to continue pushing forward negotiations on the price undertakings, and spare no effort to reach a mutually acceptable solution through friendly dialogue and consultation.
The Chinese side pointed out that the European Commission initiated the anti-subsidy investigation without a formal complaint from the industries within the EU, and the rulings were non-compliant, unreasonable, and unfair. Although the Chinese side cannot agree with or accept this, it consistently maintained the utmost sincerity and made efforts to resolve the issue properly through dialogue and consultation.
The Chinese industry proposed price undertakings solution during the investigation and further improved it based on the concerns of the EU, which fully demonstrated the utmost flexibility and sincerity from the Chinese side.
China urges the EU to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of China, France, and the EU on properly addressing economic and trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and to take proactive actions to meet China halfway.
China will resolutely take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises, if the EU insists on implementing unreasonable tariffs.
CHINA-EUROPE HIGH-LEVEL EXCHANGES
While meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Beijing, President Xi Jinping stressed that China will further deepen reform and expand opening up, and expressed the hope that Spain will continue to provide a fair, equitable, safe and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. As next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, China is ready to work with the EU to advance bilateral ties in the direction of independence, helping each other succeed and delivering benefits to the world, Xi noted.
PM Sánchez responded that Spain firmly pursues the one-China policy, and is willing to be a trustworthy partner of China. Spain supports the principles of free trade and open markets, disagrees with trade wars, and is ready to continue playing a positive role in promoting the sound development of EU-China relations, the PM added.
President Xi Jinping received visiting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Størein in Beijing. During their meeting, Xi stressed the importance of mutual respect and seeking common ground while shelving differences to promote bilateral relations, and reaffirmed China's readiness to work with Norway to push for development of friendly cooperation. Xi expressed the hope that Norway will play a positive role in the growth of China-Europe relations.
In his response, PM Støre said that Norway respects China's sovereignty and firmly pursues the one-China policy. Norway supports free trade, and is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China and supports closer cooperation between Europe and China, Støre noted.
The two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of Dialogue on the Green Transition.
COMMENTS OF OUR MISSION'S SPOKESPERSON on the US-EU Dialogue on China and the EU High Representative’s statement on the case of Ilham Tohti.
A FRIENDLY GATHERING OF THE BIG CHINA-AFRICA FAMILY
From September 4 to 6, leaders of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission gathered in Beijing for the Summit 2024 of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The Summit achieved great success with 4 main outcomes: 1. China has entered into strategic partnerships with all African countries having diplomatic ties with China. 2. The characterization of the overall China-Africa relations was elevated to an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era. 3. A six-point proposition on China-Africa joint efforts to advance modernization was articulated. 4. A blueprint was drawn up for future cooperation. The two sides adopted a Beijing Declaration and Action Plan. President Xi Jinping announced 10 partnership actions that China would take with Africa in the next 3 years.
CHINA EXPANDS ITS OPENING-UP TO THE WORLD
In service trade. The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) concluded in Beijing recently. 85 countries and international organizations set up exhibitions and more than 450 Fortune Global 500 and industry leading companies participated offline.
In medical field. China has announced that it plans to allow the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in certain cities and regions across the country. Foreign-invested enterprises are also allowed to carry out the development and application of technologies relating to human stem cells and gene diagnosis and treatment in the pilot free-trade zones in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, as well as in the Hainan Free Trade Port, for the registration, launch and production of relevant products.
In manufacturing sector. According to the newly-released 2024 version of the negative list for foreign investment access, the remaining 2 restrictions in the manufacturing sector will be lifted starting from November 1, thus achieving zero restrictions.
Euro bonds issued. China’s Ministry of Finance has announced that it will issue up to 2 billion euros of sovereign bonds in Paris this week.
HISTORY AND FACTS OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ISSUE
Finally, welcome to the upcoming "CHINA IN FOCUS: Motifs and Colors – The Beauty of Chinese Arts & Crafts" exhibition in Brussels!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of China or our Mission, except those from the official website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, our Mission and other Chinese governmental websites.
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