Joint Statement on the Second Regular Meeting of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation Mechanism
中欧贸易投资磋商机制第二次例会联合声明
Source: Ministry of Commerce Press Office Type: Original Category: News 2026-10-09 18:55 On October 8-9, 2026, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and European Commission Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič held the second regular meeting of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation Mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the Mechanism) in Beijing.
Trade & market accessEU institutionsEU industry & firmsInformationalNot yet assessableRepeatable instrument
The mechanism
China and the Commission set a ministerial video conference for January and a third regular meeting for March 2027, keeping a standing channel open for trade and investment disputes. The statement imposes no tariff, licence, procurement or market-access change, so EU exporters and importers face no new operating requirement the day after publication. Its immediate effect is confined to continued official engagement.
The stakes
The significance depends on whether the unpublished consensus outcomes later become implemented arrangements on disputes or market access. If the mechanism remains a forum for restating WTO commitments, it alters diplomatic temperature rather than European commercial exposure.
How it reaches Europe
- Regular mechanism meeting heldChina and the Commission met in Beijing on October 8-9.
- Future contacts scheduledBoth sides agreed to a January video conference and March 2027 meeting.
- Disputes remain under discussionThe statement says both sides will maintain close communication and handle differences under WTO rules.
- Commission trade officials remain engagedThe scheduled ministerial process requires continued EU institutional participation.