On the afternoon of April 8, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao held a video conference with European Commission Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Šefčović. The two sides exchanged views in depth and frankly on issues such as strengthening China-EU economic and trade cooperation and responding to the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" imposed by the United States.

Wang Wentao said that Premier Li Qiang had just had a phone call with European Commission President von der Leyen, conveying a positive message to the outside world. China is willing to work with the EU to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of China and the EU, strengthen communication and exchanges, and deepen China-EU trade, investment and industrial cooperation.

Wang Wentao pointed out that the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" of the United States seriously infringe upon the legitimate interests of all countries, seriously violate the rules of the World Trade Organization, seriously damage the rules-based multilateral trading system, and seriously impact the stability of the global economic order. It is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying. China firmly opposes this and has taken countermeasures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests. Yesterday, the US threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on China, which was a mistake on top of a mistake. There are no winners in a trade war, and there is no way out for protectionism. China is willing to resolve differences through consultations and negotiations, but if the United States insists on its own way, China will fight to the end.

Wang Wentao stressed that under the current situation, China and Europe jointly maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system and adhere to trade liberalization and facilitation, which will inject more stability and certainty into the world economy and global trade.

Sefcovic said that the US tariff increase has severely impacted international trade and has had a serious impact on Europe, China and vulnerable countries. The United States only accounts for 13% of global trade in goods. The EU is willing to work with other WTO members, including China, to jointly ensure the normal operation of global trade. The EU attaches importance to the EU-China economic and trade relations and is willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with China to promote the expansion of two-way market access, investment and industrial cooperation.

The two sides agreed to start consultations as soon as possible, discuss in depth issues related to market access, create a more favorable business environment for enterprises, and immediately conduct negotiations on electric vehicle price commitments, as well as discuss issues of China-EU automotive industry investment cooperation. Both sides support the restart of the China-EU trade relief dialogue mechanism, discuss trade transfer issues, and properly handle trade frictions. The two sides expressed that they will continue to strengthen communication under the WTO framework, jointly promote WTO reform, and maintain the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.