China has called on Germany to help mediate a dispute with the European Union over electric vehicle (EV) tariffs. Last month, the EU decided to raise tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China by as much as 45.3%. Beijing views Germany, its largest trading partner in Europe, as a key player in resolving the issue.
During a meeting at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, China’s President Xi Jinping told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Beijing would continue to offer “broad market opportunities for German companies” in exchange for Germany’s support. “China regards Germany as an important partner in advancing Chinese modernization,” Xi said, adding that he hoped Europe and China could resolve the tariff issue through dialogue and negotiation “as soon as possible.”
The two leaders also discussed strengthening their “long-term” strategic partnership. Xi emphasized that China and Germany should view their bilateral relationship from a “long-term and strategic perspective.”
The meeting was the first between Xi and Scholz since April, when the German Chancellor urged China to use its influence over Russia to help end the war in Ukraine. Scholz also addressed global security issues, including the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, and warned of escalating tensions due to the deployment of North Korean troops in the conflict.
