China has called for a swift and constructive resolution to the European Union’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles, during high-level videoconferences held between Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji and senior leaders of the German and European automotive industries. The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced the talks on Monday.
Ling, who also serves as deputy international trade representative, met separately with Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), and Ola Kaellenius, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and chairperson of Mercedes-Benz Group.
Discussions centered on strengthening cooperation between Chinese, German, and European automakers and their supply chains.
Ling highlighted the deep integration of the Chinese and European automotive sectors and encouraged European manufacturers to continue expanding investments in China. He said closer collaboration would help advance the global transition to green and intelligent mobility.
A key focus was the EU’s ongoing anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs. Ling urged the German and European associations to continue expressing their views to the European Commission, stressing that both sides should work toward an appropriate and timely solution.
Ling also addressed industry concerns over the semiconductor firm Nexperia. He said disruptions to the global chip supply chain stemmed from actions on the Dutch side, adding that China had acted responsibly by issuing timely export licence exemptions to minimize the impact on the auto sector. He called on industry groups to help facilitate early stabilization of the supply chain.
According to MOFCOM, Mueller emphasized the long-standing success of cooperation between the German and Chinese auto industries. She said German carmakers continue to expand investment in China and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Mueller reiterated the VDA’s opposition to EU tariffs on Chinese EVs and said the association is monitoring the Nexperia situation, hoping the company resolves its internal issues through dialogue.
Kaellenius noted that European manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, are steadily increasing localization in China and integrating into local production networks as part of their ‘in China, for global’ strategy. He said both sides should adopt a pragmatic approach to resolving the EV case and deepen supply chain cooperation to foster a positive China–EU automotive partnership.
The discussions follow the 9th China-Germany Automotive Conference in Changchun, where German industry leaders urged deeper engagement with China’s auto sector and warned against unilateralism and protectionism.
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