China Shies Away From Confrontation With EU Over EV Probe
- Two sides agreed to talks during trade chief’s four-day trip
- Xi is stabilizing key relationships during a turbulent year
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As Europe’s top trade chief headed to Beijing this month shortly after announcing a probe into China’s electric vehicle subsidies, some in the bloc braced for fiery criticism and any hint of retaliation.
Instead, the Europeans found President Xi Jinping’s government ready to talk, make promises and avoid aggressive rhetoric that could inflame an economic relationship worth $900 billion. While Vice Premier He Lifeng expressed “concern and dissatisfaction” over the probe, he agreed to set up several working groups including on financial services and trade curbs.