China has called on the European Commission to take concrete steps to resolve trade tensions and return to consultations as a means of settling disputes. The request comes in the wake of the European Commission’s proposal to impose definitive countervailing duties on Chinese battery electric vehicle imports, which recently gained support from European Union (EU) Member States.
A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce expressed the country’s strong opposition to the EU’s draft decision, which could lead to tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. In a statement on Friday, the ministry reiterated China’s stance against what it described as “unfair, illegal, and unreasonable protectionist practices” and urged the EU to reconsider its position.
According to China’s official news agency, Xinhua, the spokesperson emphasized that while China firmly opposes the draft ruling, it recognizes the EU’s expressed political will to resolve the issue through negotiations. Technical teams from both sides are scheduled to meet on October 7 to continue discussions aimed at finding a mutually agreeable solution.
China has warned that imposing additional tariffs on its electric vehicle exports would not solve the problem, but instead could damage Chinese companies’ confidence in investing and cooperating with Europe. The ministry stressed that these tariffs would harm trade relations, undermining the potential for collaboration between Chinese enterprises and European markets.
“China’s position remains consistent and clear. We firmly oppose the EU’s protectionist measures and any additional countervailing duties on Chinese electric vehicles,” the ministry spokesperson said.
The trade dispute comes at a time when China’s electric vehicle industry is rapidly expanding, and Europe remains a key market for its exports. The proposed tariffs have raised concerns about the future of Chinese investments in Europe, with Beijing urging the EU to weigh the potential economic fallout of such protectionist actions.
China’s Ministry of Commerce has reiterated its preference for resolving the trade friction through dialogue and consultations, calling on the EU to take appropriate measures that reflect this political will. As both sides prepare for further negotiations, the outcome will be closely watched by the global automotive and trade sectors, which are increasingly intertwined between China and Europe.
This latest development highlights the ongoing tensions between China and the EU over trade practices, particularly in emerging industries like electric vehicles, and the broader implications for international trade relations.
