China has reaffirmed its commitment to deeper cooperation with European automakers and called for a resolution to the European Union’s anti-subsidy case on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said during a video call on Friday with Ola Källenius, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and chairman of Mercedes-Benz.
During the discussion, Wang emphasized the strong foundation for China-Europe auto industry collaboration and welcomed European manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, to expand their investment in China, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). He expressed hope that the ACEA and Mercedes-Benz would advocate for a swift political resolution to the EU’s trade measures targeting Chinese EVs.
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Källenius stated that the European automotive sector, including Mercedes-Benz, remains closely engaged in discussions regarding Chinese EVs in Europe and supports resolving trade differences through dialogue, MOFCOM said. He also reaffirmed Mercedes-Benz’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market.
The EU concluded its anti-subsidy investigation on October 29, imposing countervailing duties on Chinese battery EV imports for five years, a decision that China has contested through the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement mechanism. The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) also filed a legal challenge against the European Commission’s decision.
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Trade analysts suggest that technical solutions could help resolve the dispute, as China’s EV industry aligns with Europe’s green transition goals. The trade tensions come ahead of the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations in 2025, with both sides expressing interest in finding a mutually beneficial resolution.