Trade and transparency: China looks to boost EU imports; urges eased hi-tech export restrictions

Li also said that he hoped the two sides would work together to push for more balanced development in bilateral trade, while noting that overall, China-EU ties had remained stable despite global changes and turbulence.

Li said deeper relations with the EU remained a diplomatic priority for China, and that Beijing was willing to work with the bloc to implement agreements reached in the December summit.

Beijing recently countered with an anti-dumping investigation into brandy containers of less than 200 litres (352 pints) imported from the EU.

Li, without mentioning the trade friction, said Beijing would adhere to the norms of free trade, fair competition and open cooperation in the market economy together with the bloc, but cautioned the EU to be careful about its China trade practices.

“[China hopes] the EU will uphold justice, compliance and transparency in economic and trade matters, treat Chinese enterprises fairly, and prudently introduce restrictive economic and trade policies and deploy trade remedies,” Li said.

EU moves toward outbound investment screening, amid China concern

In June, Brussels reaffirmed its comprehensive approach towards China, reducing its economic dependency by de-risking in critical sectors while leaving the door open for cooperation with Beijing in areas of common interest, such as climate change and global public health.

According to the Chinese readout, von der Leyen said the EU was ready to work with China to deepen cooperation on climate change and to promote people-to-people exchanges.

The European Commission president said on her X account that her meeting with Li was “good and frank”, adding that China and the bloc needed to take action on rebalancing trade and avoid distortive policies.