According to a report on the Ministry of Commerce website on September 22, on the morning of September 21, Wang Wentao, Minister of the Ministry of Commerce, met with Müller, President of the German Automotive Industry Association. Both sides exchanged views on issues such as Sino-German automotive industry cooperation and Sino-European economic and trade relations.
Wang Wentao stated that the deep integration of the automotive industries between China and Germany and the high degree of mutual benefits suggest broad prospects for cooperation. He welcomed German automakers to deeply engage in the Chinese market and strengthen cooperation with Chinese partners, jointly promoting the global automotive industry towards green and intelligent transformation. The Chinese government supports Chinese automakers investing in Europe and hopes that Germany and the European Union will create a fair, open, and non-discriminatory business environment.
Wang Wentao emphasized that China is not the root cause of the economic and trade problems faced by the EU. Instead, China is a partner in finding common solutions to these issues. China does not wish to see the EU take a protecionist path, restrict or shut down markets, leading to a global market closure. China is committed to discussing solutions to issues related to the automotive sector within the framework of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism, based on compliance, balance, and non-discrimination principles. It is hoped that the German Automobile Industry Association will play an active role in promoting dialogue between the German government and the EU Commission with China, so that a constructive solution acceptable to both parties can be reached through dialogue and consultation.
Müller stated that China is not only an important sales market for the German automotive industry, but also a key partner in production and innovation. Improving competitiveness is the way for the German automotive industry to overcome its difficulties. He welcomed Chinese automotive and parts companies to invest in Germany, thereby deepening the integration of the automotive supply chains between Germany and China, as well as Europe and China. The German Automotive Industry Association is committed to maintaining a fair competitive market environment and advocates that the EU keep the automotive market open. It is hoped that both Europe and China will actively engage in dialogue and consultation to avoid the escalation of economic and trade tensions.
