EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic met China’s top trade envoy Li Chenggang on the sidelines of an OECD meeting in Paris on August 24 to address trade and investment concerns between the two sides [1, 2]. The talks aimed to set up a new platform for ongoing dialogue on trade issues and investment cooperation [1].
Sefcovic stressed the urgent need to tackle non-market practices and excess capacity that distort global markets and cause friction [2]. He called for practical, meaningful, and sustainable solutions, saying, "My objective is a practical, result-oriented approach to addressing our concerns, not escalation" [2].
Both parties agreed to send teams to Europe and China to prepare for further high-level officials' talks focused on concrete outcomes [2]. Sefcovic also urged more frequent top-level trade discussions between Brussels and Beijing, emphasizing the importance of engagement on a scale similar to dialogue between Beijing and Washington [2].
The talks followed the European Union's August 20 vote to adopt a tougher approach on trade with China, reflecting growing concerns over market distortions and investment barriers [1]. The meeting at the OECD was a first step toward easing tensions and establishing steady communication channels.
Next, officials are expected to hold follow-up meetings in the coming months in both Europe and China to build on the dialogue and seek tangible progress in trade and investment relations [2].
