China said it is committed to opening the market to European automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, to expand their investment in the country, according to a Tuesday press release from the Ministry of Commerce.

In a video call, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told Ola Källenius, the president of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, that the organization should help urge the European Union to reach a solution with China in handling trade differences.

In separate remarks, Wang said Europe should not condone protectionism and restrict its markets, according to a Reuters report on the same day.

The comments were made during a meeting with Hildegard Mueller, the head of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, the report said.