The European Union and China have initiated high-level technical consultations aimed at addressing a mounting trade conflict over electric vehicle (EV) imports. The talks follow the EU’s implementation of provisional tariffs on Chinese EVs, which Brussels argues are necessary to counter state-backed subsidies that distort the internal market. Beijing has firmly rejected these allegations, describing the tariffs as a violation of international trade norms and initiating retaliatory investigations into European agricultural products. While European officials maintain that the measures are a defensive necessity for the regional automotive sector, Chinese representatives have cautioned that trade barriers could undermine global efforts toward green energy transitions. Industry observers indicate that both parties appear motivated to reach a compromise to prevent further escalation, though significant disagreements over subsidy definitions and market transparency persist.