Wang Meets w/Borrell Amid Tensions Over EU EV Probe

(MNI) London - Wires carrying comments from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and European Commission High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell after bilateral talks in Beijing. States that "We indicated that there are no fundamental conflicts of interest between China and Europe, we are first and foremost partners...Our relationship should not be subject to third-party influence."

• Wang: "We need to keep industrial chains stable and maintain fair competition...We take seriously Europe's concerns on trade, will provide more enabling business environment for EU businesses in China."
• Wang on EU EV probe: "We urge the EU to avoid protectionist approaches and be cautious in using trade remedies."
• Borrell states after talks that "EU-China bilateral relations are broad, wide-ranging and increasingly complex...EU is committed in managing out bilateral relations in a constructive and responsible manner."
• Borrell: "I stressed the EU's commitment to remain one of the most open economies in the world, we don't want to be protectionist but sometimes we have to protect."
• Borrell on trade probes: "Any measure that we might take will be precise, proportional and compliant with our international obligations."
• Borrell on Russia-Ukraine war: "I asked China to use its influence on Russia to stop this war of aggression and renew the [Black Sea] grain deal...Up until now, there has not been any kind of direct military support to Russia...We count on China to support Ukraine peace negotiations."