Kathmandu— China’s Ministry of Commerce has stated that trade talks between China and the European Union (EU) cannot be dictated by unilateral demands, insisting instead on addressing mutual concerns equally. This stance was articulated in response to EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic's warning about potential trade defense measures if negotiations fail to produce results.

Dialogue and Consultation

China has taken note of Sefcovic’s recent remarks, emphasizing that both Chinese and EU leaders have agreed on the importance of addressing each other's concerns through dialogue. In recent years, China has been committed to implementing this consensus by strengthening economic and trade dialogues with the EU and working to manage frictions and differences.

Recent Meetings

Since June 29, when the first meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism took place, both sides have maintained close communication at various levels. From Monday to Wednesday, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji held talks with visiting Denis Redonnet from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security. The two sides had in-depth discussions on issues of mutual concern and guided several rounds of technical consultations between their teams.

Call for Balanced Partnership

Huang Ling, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce, stressed that both parties should uphold the positioning of each other as stable and balanced key trading partners. She emphasized that neither side should make unilateral demands or dictate terms, nor resort to threats of closing markets as a bargaining chip.

Advocating Free Trade

China has reiterated its stance that protectionism offers no solution and called on the EU to work with China in safeguarding the rules-based multilateral trading system centered around the World Trade Organization. The spokesperson urged the EU to avoid further steps towards protectionism and instead promote free trade.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.