Xi seeks Germany's help to counter EU tariffs on EVs
Chinese leader Xi Jinping informed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday that he counts on Germany's assistance in addressing EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, according to Chinese media reports following their meeting on the fringes of the G20 summit in Brazil.
- It is anticipated that Europe and China will resolve the issue of electric vehicles through dialogue and negotiations as swiftly as possible, with the German side expressing willingness to actively contribute to this endeavour, - stated Xi, as quoted by the state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua.
During the meeting at the two-day G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which concludes on Tuesday, Xi expressed to Scholz that China is keen to collaborate with Germany in strengthening the strategic partnership.
The German government spokesperson confirmed that Scholz's meeting with Xi lasted 30 minutes. The Chancellor brought up geopolitical issues with the Chinese leader, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Scholz also mentioned that his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the cessation of the war in Ukraine was "sobering" - it was stated.
China tightened cooperation with Russia
China has not condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and following its onset, it has strengthened cooperation with Russia in numerous domains, including the military, and has conducted joint military exercises and patrols.
The recently imposed EU tariffs on electric cars made in China range from 7.8 to 35.3 percent. These tariffs were implemented due to the Beijing authorities' subsidisation of production. China has sued the World Trade Organization (WTO) to challenge these tariffs.
