The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Photo: VCG

Ling Ji, vice minister of China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and deputy China international trade representative, recently held separate video conferences with heads of German and European auto industry associations, calling for an early resolution to the EU's anti-subsidy probe on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), according to the MOFCOM on Monday.

The discussions with Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), and Ola Kaellenius, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) and chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group, focused on enhancing cooperation between the Chinese, German, and European automotive industries and their supply chains, the MOFCOM said.

During the talks, Ling noted the in-depth integration of the Chinese and European automotive sectors. He welcomed European car manufacturers to continue expanding their investment in China to jointly promote the green and intelligent development of the global auto industry with Chinese partners.

A key point of discussion was the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs. Ling expressed hope that the German and European auto associations would continue voicing their positions to prompt the European Commission to meet China halfway and reach an appropriate solution.

The vice minister also addressed the situation regarding Nexperia in response to inquiries and stressed that the root cause of the disruption in the global semiconductor supply chain lies with the Dutch side. 

Ling highlighted that China has consistently acted responsibly by implementing export license exemption measures in a timely manner to minimize the impact on the automotive industry. He called on the associations to play an active role in helping Nexperia find a solution to stabilize the global supply chain at an earlier date.

Mueller noted the fruitful results of cooperation between the German and Chinese auto industries, with German carmakers continuing to increase their investments in China and deepen strategic cooperation with Chinese partners, according to the MOFCOM.

Mueller stated that the VDA opposes the EU's imposition of tariffs on Chinese EVs and is closely monitoring developments regarding Nexperia, hoping it can be resolved through internal dialogue.

Kaellenius said that European automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, have been steadily increasing localization in China, deeply integrating into the development of the local production and supply chains as they advance their "in China, for global" strategy, according to the MOFCOM. 

He expressed hope that both the Chinese and European sides would take a pragmatic approach to find a solution to the EV anti-subsidy case and deepen supply chain cooperation and foster a positive atmosphere of China-EU auto industry cooperation. 

Kaellenius has previously emphasized the importance of EU-China trade, arguing that a level playing field should not be used to sever well-established supply chains.

At the recently concluded 9th China-Germany Automotive Conference in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin Province, German business leaders and industry representatives called for deeper cooperation with China's auto sector, urging continued engagement while voicing opposition to unilateralism and protectionism.