BEIJING/BERLIN — Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume mentioned free and truthful commerce, the worldwide financial system and know-how in conferences with China’s business and commerce ministers on Friday, in accordance with statements by ministries and VW.
“The worldwide financial improvement was one of many central points. Free and truthful commerce between open markets is of utmost significance on this part of main challenges,” Blume stated in a written assertion.
The European Union and China are in tense negotiations over tariffs proposed by the European Fee on China-made EVs, with China opening up tit-for-tat investigations into different items whereas additionally urging the EU to drop its measures.
Germany’s automotive business, together with Volkswagen, has vocally opposed the tariffs, fearing retaliation in one in every of their largest markets. China welcomed VW to deepen its foothold in China, in accordance with the ministry assertion.
The 2 sides additionally spoke about framework situations for applied sciences like autonomous driving and synthetic intelligence, the statements stated.
Germany and China final month signed a declaration of intent on talk about cross-border information transfers with the view of enabling carmakers to switch information to Germany, a contentious situation due to safety considerations in Europe and restrictions on overseas corporations in China.
(Reporting by Victoria Waldersee and Beijing newsroom, enhancing by Thomas Seythal)