China and EU deadlocked on medical devices, still talking on PHEV curbs: source

Beijing and Brussels remain “deadlocked” on trade in medical devices following discussions in Beijing this week, a source said, adding that “intensive consultations” were under way about Brussels’ plan to launch import safeguards against made-in-China plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Vice-Minister of Commerce Ling Ji – China’s deputy international trade representative – held discussions with Ditte Juul Jorgensen, the European Commission’s director general for trade and economic security, on Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for a second round of trade talks, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The European Commission declined to comment, while China’s commerce ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The public procurement of medical devices and imports of Chinese PHEVs have been points of tension between Beijing and Brussels.