European Union (EU) trade ministers agreed on Friday to launch negotiations with China on the protection of geographical terms for wines and foodstuffs such as champagne and Scotch whisky.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, would be mandated to carry out negotiations with China on behalf of the EU member states.

If the deal is signed, the EU hopes its famous drinks and foods produced locally such as champagne and Scotch whisky would be protected in China.

That would mean that similar Chinese products can no longer use geographical terms such as champagne and Scotch, referring to places in France and Britain where the products come from.

Currently, geographical terms are protected by the EU but not outside the 27-nation bloc.

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