Brussels has confirmed that the next round of trade negotiations between the European Union and China will take place in Beijing in October, according to the South China Morning Post. The announcement sets the location and timing for the next stage of talks between the two sides.
The October meeting follows mounting pressure from the EU over what it describes as trade imbalances with China. The Financial Times reports that the EU has asked China to voluntarily limit its exports of hybrid cars. ArenaEV, citing the same push, reports that Brussels wants Beijing to reduce plug-in hybrid electric vehicle exports or face tariffs. Bloomberg reports the EU has said it is ready to take a tougher line against Chinese trade imbalances.
The talks also come after a speech by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the so-called "China shock," which analysts told the South China Morning Post was intended to send a message to Beijing.
What to watch next: whether Beijing responds to the EU's request on hybrid vehicle exports before the October talks begin.