Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told visiting former French prime minister Laurent Fabius that he hopes China and the European Union (EU) could find ways to resolve trade tensions.

Beijing has voiced opposition to an EU decision to slap punitive tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, and has imposed tariffs on EU brandy imports as part of the trade row.

Wang said setbacks in bilateral economic and trade relations do not serve the interests of either side in his talks with Fabius, who's now president of the French Constitutional Council, in Beijing on Monday.

The foreign minister said the two sides should find ways to address their respective concerns through negotiation and consultation.

Fabius stressed the need to resolve disputes through dialogue as well. (Agencies)