EU, China meet for high-level digital dialogue
China EU dialogue - Photo © European Union 2023
(BEIJING) - Platforms and data regulation, artificial intelligence, industrial data and online product safety were among key issues discussed by the EU and China at their second High-level Digital Dialogue Monday.
Co-chaired by Commission vice-president Vera Jourova and China vice-premier Zhang Guoqing, the two parties engaged in a thorough discussion on crucial areas of digital policy and technologies.
"Today, we had a frank discussion with China on crucial aspects of our digital policies and technology," said Ms Jourova: "...We cannot resolve our concerns and different views in one day but we will maintain the dialogue on digital matters, which are so fundamental for both our economies and societies."
The Commission provided an update of EU regulatory developments including the EU's Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act.
Both sides exchanged views about Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Commission presented developments on the Artificial Intelligence Act and stressed the importance of an ethical use of this technology in full respect of universal human rights, in the light of recent UN reports.
The Commission reiterated its support for global and interoperable Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) standards and urged the Chinese authorities to ensure a fair, reciprocity-based business environment in the digital field.
It also conveyed its concern about the difficulties faced by EU companies in China to make use of their industrial data, as a result of the application of recent legislation. Discussions on this matter will continue at the High-level Economic Dialogue with a view to finding concrete solutions.
The Commission explained its de-risking approach under the European Economic Security Strategy, which consists in mitigating risks to its supply chains, critical infrastructures and technology security.
As regards the safety of products, the Commission and China welcomed the signature of the Action Plan on the safety of products sold online.
The objective of the Action Plan is to further enhance dialogue and cooperation between the Commission and the General Administration of China Customs (GACC). Both parties have agreed to rapidly exchange information on unsafe products sold online; organise regular workshops to exchange information and knowledge on laws, regulations and best practices and organise specific awareness-raising and training activities on EU product safety rules for companies selling online.
China shared updates on their policies and practices in the digital domain. Both parties agreed to continue discussions at technical level, by resuming the China-EU ICT Dialogue.
Action Plan on the safety of products sold online
EU-China: Commission and China hold first High-level Digital Dialogue