The comments mark progress on matters that have vexed China's relationship with the European Union over the past year.

Beijing insists it has met its commitments to “suspend or cancel” its nontariff retaliatory measures to Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs. China announced restrictions on seven rare earths and magnets on April 4, although it never officially said this was in retaliation.

Donald Trump has said he will visit China after speaking to its leader Xi Jinping over the phone. The US president said he had reciprocated with an invite to the White House during the "very good talk" - though such a trip has not been confirmed by either side.