Ministry of Commerce of China

The Ministry of Commerce of China is the governmental body responsible for managing the country's international trade and investment relations. Recently, the Ministry has been involved in high-level discussions with the European Union, with China's international trade envoy, Li Chenggang, meeting EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic in Paris. These talks aim to de-escalate trade tensions and establish a new platform for addressing trade and investment issues, particularly as the EU considers a firmer stance on Chinese economic practices. Furthermore, the Ministry plays a role in enforcing China's trade laws, as demonstrated by its invocation of the 2021 anti-sanctions law. This law was used to block Chinese citizens and companies from complying with US sanctions against five Chinese refineries accused of handling Iranian oil. This highlights the Ministry's active role in navigating complex international trade disputes and protecting national economic interests.