MNI BRIEF: China Enhances EU, Japan, SK Cooperation: MOFCOM

China has conducted extensive discussion and reached broad consensus with EU, Japan, and South Korea about strengthening regional and multilateral cooperation, He Yadong, spokesman at the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday. 

China and the EU have agreed to establish regular ministerial-level communication on major China-EU economic and trade matters, pushing for progress in preparation for the next phase of high-level China-EU engagements, said He, using the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties as an opportunity. (See MNI: China To Leverage U.S Tariffs, Target Deals With EU, Asia)

China and EU agreed to restart negotiations on the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicles as soon as possible, and China decided to extend the anti-dumping investigation period for brandy. Additionally, discussions covered topics such as the EU's foreign subsidy investigations, regulatory cooperation on cosmetics, market access for agricultural and food products, and government procurement. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open markets and providing a fair competitive environment for enterprises, the spokesman said.  Meanwhile, China, Japan, and South Korea also engaged recently in in-depth discussions on various topics, including negotiations on the China-Japan-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, supply chain and export controls, the digital and green economies, business environment improvements, and local cooperation, He said. 

The economic and trade departments of China and the U.S have maintained ongoing communication, He noted, adding China was willing to engage with Washington.