The EU and Beijing will discuss tariffs imposed on Chinese EVs, following a visit by Germany's economy minister, who had "very open" and "blunt" exchanges with his counterparts

The key to Chinese carmakers’ success has been a massive EV boom in a region, now seen as the "world’s hottest market” for battery-powered vehicles

Germany's trade with China has been falling, while deals with the US have risen. In the first quarter, the US surpassed China as Germany's top trade partner, for the first time in eight years

Chinese firms have reported a decline in sales and a hit to brand image as a result of the EU's recently concluded anti-subsidy probe

Multiple deals agreed in KL on banking, energy and education. Beijing will also study a revised plan to connect Malaysia to a high-speed rail link from Thailand to Singapore

At a closed door meeting also attended by European carmakers, Chinese automakers alleged the EU anti-subsidy probe was a ploy to steal their business secrets

Concerns over governance and the board's independence have fuelled unrest against Toyoda, and any big drop in his shareholder support could spur action on reforms

The investment mogul’s stake in the Chinese electric vehicle maker is effectively down more than 66%

China has opened a probe into pork imported from Europe a week after the EU put extra tariffs on Chinese cars; meanwhile, production of cheap Chinese EVs has begun in Poland

Pro-trade business groups have appealed for a 30-day extension for the period allowed for public feedback and a hearing to be held on the proposed hikes; that could delay the date they are implemented

Industry insiders say EU tariffs are unlikely to stop the expansion of Chinese EV exports, with carmakers likely to simply pass on higher costs to customers

The EC decision to hit Chinese EVs with extra tariffs is a move in the wrong direction, China said on Thursday, noting that EU states and carmakers oppose the move