HEFEI, China — The man who spearheaded China's electric car strategy on Wednesday said that Chinese investment in the European electric vehicles industry could be a way forward for both sides amid trade tensions. Spokespersons for China's foreign ministry and the European Commission were not immediately available when contacted by CNBC. China's Ministry of Commerce said over the weekend that it was launching consultations with the EU over the bloc's probe into the role of subsidies in Chinese electric cars. The EU said earlier this month that it would increase tariffs on imports of the vehicles. "Even though we are not exporting a large number of EVs, perhaps the Chinese companies can try investing in Europe," Wan said, noting that such funding could create local jobs.

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Persons: Wan Organizations: Wan Gang, China Association for Science, Technology, European Commission, CNBC, China's Ministry of Commerce, EU Locations: HEFEI, China, EU, Dalian, Europe